HOWNIKAN Zawbogyagises | September 2020

Top photo: Buckwheat at the Bodewadmi Widoktadwen Gtegan, CPN Community Garden. State and federal courts rule against

A LOOK INSIDE Oklahoma governor in gaming cases

Page 2 On July 28, U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGiusti ruled in favor of nine Oklahoma-based tribes on whether model gaming compacts automatically renewed on Jan. 1, 2020. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt contended that the compacts did not automatically renew. Cultural Heritage Center secures “Today’s ruling confirms what we grant funding to update galleries have always maintained: our gaming compact automatically renewed, based on the state’s actions as they are clearly Page 6 defined in the original compact,” said Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett. “The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has become the economic driver of our region, due in large part to our gaming operations. This legal victory for our Students and parents enjoy Nation and the people of Oklahoma Virtual STEM and Healthy means we can continue to provide the jobs and services so valuable to Eats camps Oklahomans and our Tribal citizens.” Oklahoma State Supreme Court Justices rule against Gov. Stitt's overreach. Page 12 The Chickasaw, Choctaw and Cherokee “It is undisputed that organization Court ruled that Stitt overstepped his nations filed a lawsuit on Dec. 31, 2019, licensees (horse racetracks) have been authority by signing gaming compacts CPN’s Chief Justice gives in dispute of the governor’s claims. They authorized, and are currently authorized, with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and thoughts on Native American were soon joined by six other tribal to conduct electronic gaming as well as Comanche Nation this spring. mascots nations, including CPN. The tribes cited betting on live horse racing. The disputed a provision in the compacts approved by issue is whether this authorization The litigants opposing the governor Pages 14-19 Oklahoma voters in 2004 that allowed for was ‘pursuant to any governmental were Republican Speaker of the House the automatic renewal of the compacts action of the (S)tate’ taken after the Charles McCall, Republican Senate Pro Tribal Executive and upon government action sanctioning effective dates of the Compacts.” Tempore Greg Treat and Republican Legislative updates horse racing tracks’ gaming licenses. State Attorney General Mike Hunter. As The governor has not indicated if he prescribed in the state constitution, the “A great deal of time and money would appeal to a higher court at court reaffirmed that the governor has Page 20 have been wasted on this needless the time of print. He did, however, the right to negotiate on behalf of the Walking on litigation with the State. Our hope is issue a broad, hyperbolic statement state on tribal gaming compacts, but he for a new relationship with Governor apparently intended to sow fear of tribal cannot bind the state to compacts that Stitt in which mutual respect and governments and their legal status as violate or purport to change existing state the honoring of agreements becomes fellow governments in Oklahoma. law and policy. Representatives in the the norm. I am grateful that the rule state legislature elected by Oklahomans of law has prevailed,” Barrett said. “The federal court determined that the must approve new gaming opportunities 2004 Gaming Compact auto-renewed and any other changes to state law The tribes’ argument centered on the for 15 years because of an action taken or policy. Oklahoma law currently Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission’s prohibits sports betting and house- PR SRT STD PR SRT

US POSTAGE by an agency’s unelected board to reissue PAID PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT

STIGLER, OK 74462 years-long practice of annual licensure licenses for gaming at horse racing tracks,” banked card and table games, meaning of gaming operations at Oklahoma the governor’s statement read. “This the executive branch was not legally racetracks, including two such licenses decision, coupled with the recent U.S. allowed to sign these specific compacts. in October 2019 for The Cherokee Supreme Court ruling on McGirt, means “The Supreme Court affirmed what Nation’s Will Rogers Downs and the Oklahomans have important questions my office has opined, and the pro Chickasaw Nation’s Remington Park. to face regarding our future. Among Both racetracks have offered Class III tempore of the Senate and the speaker other things, we will need to explore of the House of Representatives have electronic gaming for 15 years. The the challenges of who will pay taxes and governor’s argument ­— that these argued all along,” Attorney General who won’t, of how we will guarantee a Hunter said. “The governor lacks gaming licenses issued by the state board competitive marketplace, and of how the did not amount to state government the authority to enter into and bind State will fund core public services into the state to compacts with Indian actions authorizing gaming — failed the next generation. In short, we face a tribes that authorize gaming activity to convince the federal court judge. question of constitutional proportions prohibited by state law. ... We hope about what it means to be the state Judge DiGiusti wrote, “The … critical this settles and advances the resolution of Oklahoma and how we regulate question is whether the Compacts of gaming compact negotiations.” and oversee all business in our state.” automatically renewed … because the Stitt has asked for a rehearing of the case. conditions of the renewal provision Oklahoma Supreme Court were met: Were ‘organization licensees rules for State AG and Troubling agreements or others … authorized to conduct Legislature against governor electronic gaming in any form other Those compacts, and later ones signed than pari-mutuel wagering on live horse Just a week prior to the federal court between the governor and the United racing pursuant to any governmental ruling, the governor’s position was Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians action of the state … following the further eroded by the state’s highest effective date of this Compact’? court. The Oklahoma State Supreme Continued on page 2 2 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN Cultural Heritage Center secures grant funding to update galleries The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center recently received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant in the amount of $98,259 to update the CHC’s final two galleries and educate visitors on the Nation’s history since arriving in present-day Oklahoma. “We hope that by enhancing these galleries with immersive and interactive displays, community members and visitors will understand the lasting impact that these events had and still have on the culture and future of CPN,” said Blake Norton, Cultural Heritage Center curator. “Additionally, our goal is for Tribal members to gain an increased sense of cultural identity, pride and Tribal patriotism as well as a fuller understanding of what it meant and still means to be Potawatomi.”

Application

To begin the process, CHC staff and CPN Office of Self-Governance completed a project analysis and needs statement that detailed the plans Renovations seek to inform and engage visitors on the last 150 years of Tribal history. and the fund’s potential impact. “As always, we are very appreciative for the Public Information Department cultural preservation have all sewn “The CHC always has interesting and the assistance provided by the Office of is an invaluable partner on this a thread of unity within the Nation engaging projects going on; I like that Self-Governance in the submission of project,” Norton said. “The same and provided solid footing for the my small part in their continuing success our grant applications,” Norton said. can be said about IT, which assisted future,” Norton said. “We hope that by CHC staff with all interactive exhibiting these successes the community helps them deliver culture and history Implementation to Tribal members in innovative ways,” displays currently in the museum.” will feel empowered and more aware, said CPN Office of Self-Governance After receiving notice of the award, resulting in continued proactivity Grants Analyst Jeremy Arnett. CHC staff, CPN departments and Atlas The new galleries will highlight the from members and future leaders.” Fine Art Services began collaborating hurdles and triumphs the Nation has Missing deadlines or omitting in the summer to develop the faced since the 1870s, he added. Construction is set to begin fall 2021 specific information could result in project’s outline, style and content. and last through spring 2022, just in a loss of opportunity and dollars. “Constitutional establishment and reform, time to reveal to the community during He and other self-governance “With such a skilled staff of researchers, diversification of enterprises as well as Family Reunion Festival 2022. For more employees ensure requests fulfill all writers and artists, whose strengths a myriad of programs devoted to Tribal information on the Cultural Heritage requirements before submitting. can regularly be seen in the Hownikan, services, community development and Center, visit potawatomiheritage.com. Veterans report National Native American Veterans operations,” according to the National Our CPN Veterans Organization Memorial last fall, and come Nov. 11, Museum of the American Indian website. meetings are still on hold 2020, all will have an opportunity to until further notice. join the virtual dedication ceremony. Please note, the National Museum of More information will be shared is the American Indian is closed due to Migwetch forthcoming, please watch this space. the COVID-19 pandemic. For more (Thank you), information on the virtual dedication “The memorial honors the commitment ceremony, visit cpn.news/nnavm. Daryl Talbot, Commander and bravery of Native American [email protected] Bozho service members who served in the VA representative 405-275-1054 (Hello), U.S. Armed Forces, often paying with [email protected] their lives — the ultimate sacrifice 918-397-2566 Virtual dedication ceremony of many American families. It also Shawnee office: Gordon Cooper Several members of the CPN Veterans recognizes the Native people who served Technology Center, Tuesdays Organization were able to attend the in all capacities beyond war, including from 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. groundbreaking of the Smithsonian’s humanitarian and peacekeeping

Gaming continued... either CPN, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma against the Department of Interior, filed this suit to protect the IGRA’s or the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. the governor, and the Comanche and established framework and the Tribal Otoe-Missouria tribes regarding the operations conducted under it.” and Kialegee Tribal Town, have been a These compacts face a similar legal unlawful gaming agreements. Lawyers cause of concern for many of Oklahoma’s challenge in the Oklahoma State representing the four tribal nations Just as it did with the Otoe-Missouria gaming tribes. In addition to the issues Supreme Court by state Republican issued the following statement: and Comanche agreements, the ruled out by the Oklahoma Supreme legislative leadership, and the Court Department of Interior took no action Court, these agreements shatter the should issue a decision soon. “Four Tribes today initiated a lawsuit on the gaming compacts submitted by to declare the Comanche Nation’s the governor, the UKB and KTT. The jurisdictional boundaries that have Department of Interior long governed where tribal gaming and Otoe-Missouria Tribe’s gaming latter’s agreement appears to allow sites can operate. In fact, the latter’s The Department of Interior took no agreements invalid for purposes of for the violation of either the CPN’s, poses a direct infringement upon the action on the Comanche and Otoe- Federal law. While the Oklahoma Kickapoo’s or Iowa tribes’ jurisdictions, Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s jurisdiction Missouria Tribe compacts negotiated by Supreme Court has declared those depending on what eastern OKC- alongside two other nearby tribal nations. Stitt, subsequently making the compacts agreements invalid under Oklahoma metro area community the KTT “deemed approved” to the extent they law, their validity under Federal law government attempts to establish Though based in Wetumka, a town nearly do not violate state or federal law. must also be addressed to avoid damage a new casino in. Communities like 70 miles away from CPN’s westernmost to the integrity of the Indian Gaming Choctaw, Jones, Harrah and Newalla jurisdictional boundaries, the KTT’s The Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Regulatory Act, a statute that provides may be forced to host this new off- compact with Gov. Stitt allows it to Nation, Choctaw Nation and Citizen the bedrock to a significant portion jurisdiction KTT gaming entity if the establish a gaming site on the lands of Potawatomi Nation have filed a lawsuit of Oklahoma’s economy. The Tribes lawsuit filed against the DOI fails. HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 3 Bourassa family history

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural married Marie-Catherine Leriger in Jude eventually established a grist mill Heritage Center provides resources 1721. Between the two marriages, he on the Potawatomi Reservation near to keep the Tribe’s history safe and had eight children: Marie Catherine, the mouth of Mill Creek, a Kansas accessible for generations to come. One Agnes Francoise, Rene, Marie Renee River tributary. His daughter Isabella key way the Nation does this is through Clement, Ignance, Amable, Francois entertained visitors on one of the only the CHC’s archives. To highlight some of Marie and Charlotte. Marie-Catherine pianos in the territory. Sadly, Joseph and these holdings, the Hownikan is featuring and René became one of ten families Jude’s parents and many siblings passed photographs and family history of every that permanently lived within away within the first few years after founding Citizen Potawatomi family. Fort Michilimackinac in northern the Trail of Death. In the mid to late If interested in assisting preservation Michigan. The fort served as a key 1850s, Jude walked on due to smallpox. efforts by providing copies of Citizen trade post in the Great Lakes region Potawatomi family photographs, near many Nishnabé communities. Joseph and his first wife Memetikosiwike documents and more, please contact married in 1838. After her death, he the CHC at 405-878- 5830. Rene Celement II and Ignance continued married MahNees. His third wife, the family business. Rene II married Mary L. Nadeau, died in 1872, and Arrival in North America Anne-Charlotte Chevalier, and they he then married Elizabeth Curlyhead. had four children: Charlotte, Daniel, Like many French who came to North He had eight children between the Charles and Agnes. Records indicate four marriages: Joseph, adopted America in the 17th and 18th centuries, Rene lived near Niles, Michigan, before the Bourassa family played a role in the daughter Mary McDowell, Josephine eventually relocating the family to R., Joseph B., May T. L., James E., development of both the fur trade and Detroit in 1792 where he died at 74. French-Native American relations. Mary Lucille and Joseph Napoleon Jr. Daniel arrived in Detroit at the age Francois Bourassa II became very active Potawatomi leaders, including Joseph, of 13. In 1786, he married Marguerite Jon Boursaw continues the family legacy signed the Treaty of 1861 that granted in the industry and married Marie Leber, Bertrand, daughter of Joseph Laurent and of leadership as an elected Tribal official. tied to the well-known and successful members allotments and the opportunity Marie Therese Bertrand. Before they wed, to become U.S. citizens. Like many LeBer family in Montreal. They had Daniel had a daughter named Madeline man within the community. He became agreements made with the federal seven children: Francois, René, Marie with an unknown Native American the first to sign the Muster Roll, which government, this treaty had negative Elisabeth, Francois Joachim, Charles- woman. Madeline married Joseph was a type of census taken before the consequences for the Potawatomi people. Joseph, Antoine and Susanne. Bertrand, Sr., and a park in Berrien 660-mile forced march west began. Instead of upholding the grace period on County, Michigan, bears her name. His son René carried the family Their son Joseph Napoleon removed a taxation, Potawatomi lost most of their tradition. In 1710, René married Agnés Daniel I and Marguerite had 14 children: year prior to the Trail of Death. Jude allotments due to failure to pay taxes. Gangnè. After her passing in 1719, he Daniel II, Marguerite, Archange, went to court attesting that he had Jean Baptiste, Marie Judith, Michel, rights to remain in Indiana in 1837 Joseph wrote in 1866 about the white Alexandre I, Eloy, Alexandre II, Leon, but was unsuccessful. Jude left the encroachment: “It seems to me the Madeline, Agatha, Theresa and Amable. Great Lakes region on Aug. 17, 1840. course taken in settling our affairs, being so slow, is in breaking the law.” Daniel Bourassa II was born at In their youth, Joseph and Jude received Michilimackinac in 1780. He married educations from the Baptist Theological After the Treaty of 1867, most of Jude a Chippewa/Ottawa woman named Institute in Hamilton, New York, as well and Joseph’s children began moving Aranwaiske, English name Theotis as the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. to present-day Oklahoma, while Pisange. She was the niece of Chief Joseph became known as “Bourassa some remained in Kansas. Many took Shabbona, and they settled near the the Interpreter” for his translation and allotments on the southern portion Yellow River in Indiana. Together, they negotiation skills. He also served as an of the reservation. Joseph remained had 12 children: Joseph Napoleon, Mark, educator and doctor, compiling traditional in Kansas and passed away in 1877. Jude, Lazarus, Stephen, Gabriel, Eloy, Potawatomi medicinal recipes and a Today, Bourassa descendants across Alexander, Daniel III, Jaques, Elizabeth, Potawatomi dictionary. Both brothers the world keep the family traditions of and one child that passed away. were signatories on the Treaty of 1846. leadership and service to community alive for generations to come. Daniel II, Theotis and seven of their Before removal west, Jude married children lived outside of Potawatomi Marie Catherine Charet in 1833. They If interested in helping preserve Chief Menominee’s village in northern had numerous children: Theodore Citizen Potawatomi history and Indiana in the late 1830s. As a result, Santana, Adelaide, Louise, Mary culture by providing copies of they were forcibly removed on the Trail Eleanore, Helena, Eulalia, Isabella, family photographs, documents and Creator of the first Potawatomi dictionary of Death in 1838. Records indicate Stephen, Eugene, Basil, Theodosia, more, contact the Cultural Heritage in Kansas: Joseph Napoleon Bourassa. Daniel II was an honest and respected Daniel, Jude, Jacob and Helena. Center at 405-878- 5830. Hygiene aids against staph infections

By Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton People with pre-existing skin issues, According to a study by the CDC, an However, the infection rates from health including burns and eczema, are at higher estimated 5 out of every 100 people care facilities remained flat for the COVID-19 is not the only medical risk of developing minor staph infections carry MRSA strains in their nose. next four years while rising outside the condition that can be mitigated by hand that can lead to boils, cellulitis, oozing health care arena, particularly among washing and not touching your face. blisters or sties, a red, warm bump near Such as with non-MRSA cases, intravenous drug users, who are 16 times the eyelid that resembles a pimple. the symptoms depend upon the more likely to contract an infection. According to the most recent data available size and location of the infection. from the Centers for Disease Control and Depending on the severity and However, common signs include In order to minimize the risk of Prevention, staph infections account for location, these infections can often contracting or spreading a staph infection about 20,000 fatalities a year, with higher a fever and a warm, red, swollen be treated at home, through either bump that is painful to the touch. — MRSA or otherwise — the CDC rates among elders, nursing home patients prescription antibiotics or non- recommends regular hand washing and and people with organ dysfunction. Al- prescription remedies, including repeated The risks for MRSA infection are even bathing with soap. Clean and cover though individuals can contract one any- stints with a hot, clean compress. higher for people who rely on dialysis or rashes, cuts and other open wounds where, staph infections are one of the lead- a catheter as well as long-term hospital until they have thoroughly healed. Resist ing causes of hospital-acquired infections. However, some strains of staphylococcus patients and nursing home residents. picking at scabs and extra skin. Treat bacteria have evolved to the point that bandages as single-use objects, changing Staphylococcus aureus causes most they are resistant to multiple forms of them regularly and throwing them away. staph infections, which is a type of According to electronic health record antibiotics, including penicillin. Those data from more than 400 acute bacteria commonly found in a person’s strains, known as MRSA, can lead to life- Additionally, the CDC discourages care hospitals and population-based nose or on their skin. The bacteria is threatening infections, such as pneumonia sharing sheets, towels, clothes, razors surveillance data from CDC’s Emerging only harmful if it gets further into the and sepsis. In 2017 alone, there were or other personal items with someone body. Staphylococcus enters the blood 323,700 MRSA-related cases in the Infections Program, MRSA bloodstream suspected of having a staph infection. stream through an open wound or by United States according to the CDC. infections in health care settings, such as touching a contaminated surface then hospitals and nursing homes, decreased sticking that finger in a body part, Asymptomatic people, including health nationally by approximately 17 percent including the mouth, nose, eyes or ears. care providers, can spread bacteria. each year between 2005 and 2012. 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN Woodland artists celebrate contemporary work at Jacobson House Native Art Center

Located on the University of Oklahoma have and bring it forward and present it. forms are fading or disappearing is an campus in Norman, the Jacobson So it remains, maybe not in its original untrue narrative put forth by Western House Native Art Center stands as a form, but it adapts and helps nourish us academics that I think we pretty testament to the creativity and beauty and helps inspire us,” Christopher said. soundly rejected in the 21st century.” of Indigenous art throughout the last Coronavirus adaptations century. The latest exhibit, Azhwakwa: They began working together 15 years ago, although Cathy started sewing dolls Contemporary Anishinaabe Art, features clothes as a child. She taught Chris about The Jacobson House is a small art space; five Citizen Potawatomi Nation their family’s culture as Bourassa descen- however, Meredith chooses to see it as artists. Odawa, Ojibwe, Prairie Band dants through art when he was young. an advantage during a pandemic. Staff Potawatomi, Gun Lake Potawatomi closely monitor how many visitors and Chippewas of Rama First Nation “It shaped who I am; it shaped who enter the exhibit while providing artists are also featured at Jacobson they are. And an appreciation for it, a an intimate experience for families House from Aug. 22 through Oct. 18. knowledge about it, just seemed to be and children being homeschooled. very critical. And art, especially when A desire to reinvigorate the passion you’re starting with small children, seems “Some of the artists only have one piece, and life surrounding this historic to be kind of a natural,” Cathy said. so that’s how we’re able to accommodate building inspired Cherokee Nation 12 different artists in a really small artist and publishing editor of the They said textiles lend themselves space,” Meredith said. “But I think First American Art Magazine, America well to collaboration, and their they all play off each other very well, Meredith, to curate the exhibition. featured piece at Jacobson House’s and I think we have excellent range new exhibit is a butterfly-patterned of different forms and approaches.” “There were once important shows going shawl with hand-tied white fringe. through (Jacobson House), and then The Jacobson House requires guests it’s kind of fallen by the wayside,” she “It’s kind of fun to work with bits of cloth to wear face masks while walking and bits of leather and things that you through the exhibit. Visitors can email said. “I thought we needed to have a Cathy and Christopher Short collaborate show that just really knocks people’s on textile art, including this shawl can actually touch,” said Chris, who [email protected] to schedule socks off, just superb, gorgeous artwork, displayed at Jacobson House Native works in information technology. “I a private tour. Jacobson House is also and a strong cultural tour de force.” Art Center as part of the Azhwakwa: spend a lot of time rendering things on offering a series of virtual artist talks every Contemporary Anishinaabe Art exhibit. the computer for other art pieces and other Monday throughout the exhibit, Unique for showcasing only Woodland using Photoshop and (computer-aided giving those unable or unwilling to travel artists, Azhwakwa comprises basketry, Beyond the woods design) and 3D programs, and it’s so a chance to participate and enjoy the art. gratifying to actually hold something in paintings, birch bark biting, porcupine Azhwakwa — “Beyond the woods” in “I hope that people see the survival quillwork, installation art, textiles, your hand that existed solely on the com- Potawatomi — aims to show the puter a few hours ago or a few days ago.” and the resilience of Native people photographs, jewelry, beadwork resilience of the Eastern Woodland and know these people went through and more. Meredith said it is about peoples after forced removals and Harnessing new technologies to create this and they still have beauty in their maintaining cultural connections. assimilation. Featured artist and pieces rich in Anishinaabe cultural lives. They’re still creating beauty. We’re CPN member Christopher Short techniques and symbols highlights going to be able to get through the “The fact that people are making those collaborates on appliqué textiles with Meredith’s idea behind the exhibit. time we are in now,” Meredith said. efforts to talk to speakers in the language, his mother, Cathy, using a combination meet with people,” she said. “And of laser cutting and hand sewing. “I hope continuity is the main theme The gallery will be open Saturdays and then some artists, they have to travel where Native people are going to Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. through back to their historic Great Lakes “Through the art that we’re trying to do, use their own Indigenous art forms Oct. 18 as well as by appointment. homelands. They’ve moved away, so the art that we’ve been working on, I and those will continue on to the Visit jacobsonhouse.art/exhibitions they have to travel back to harvest the think that we’re helping to acknowledge future,” she said. “The whole idea that or facebook.com/jacobsonhouseart birch and the black ash and sweetgrass.” that culture and that identity that we Native is ancient or Indigenous art for more information.

Workforce Development & Social Services provides back-to-school support Preparing for the school year during students. Staff have also helped families normal circumstances brings stress, sign up for month-to-month plans and during a global pandemic, the and other affordable internet options. season can be even more overwhelming. However, Citizen Potawatomi Additionally, depending on need, Nation Workforce Development & the department has supplied com- Social Services seeks to help Native puters and tablets. As funding American families and students for this support remains avail- in need with access to assistance, able, more students may qualify. no matter the circumstances. Eligibility “We reached out to last year’s participants and asked them to talk us through To be eligible for back-to-school their plans for back to school,” said assistance, clients must be members Workforce Development & Social of a federally recognized tribe Services Youth Counselor Kym Coe. and attend school within CPN’s original jurisdiction. Students From those conversations, the can also qualify if they are 14 and department decided to distribute all older and reside in Pottawatomie, the school supplies on hand as well Kym Coe and other Workforce Development & Social Services Lincoln, Payne, Cleveland, Seminole as provide $75 gift cards for school staff work hard to remove students’ barriers to success. or Oklahoma counties. supply reimbursements. If students need more expensive supplies, such as a Virtual Since the pandemic began spreading Workforce encourages anyone in graphing calculator, Workforce may be across the country, a lack of technology need to fill out an application, and able to assist on a case-by-case basis. Area schools and Workforce have noticed and internet access amongst many clients staff look forward to the chance a sharp increase in the number of makes learning through the web difficult. to help make this school year as “There are some stipulations,” CPN students opting for homeschool or virtual successful and stress free as possible. Workforce Development & Social education for the 2020-2021 school year. Workforce looks at each situation Services Assistant Director Margaret and client individually to determine Find out more information at Zientek said. “And this is probably CPN Youth Counselor & Coordinator available services. Numerous families cpn.news/wfss. For CPN members, what’s going to hurt: they have to Michelle Ramirez said these numbers have qualified to receive aid paying other assistance opportunities may be give us the receipts to be eligible for could increase more as schools for internet services, which removes available through the CPN CARES any other services in the future.” evaluate and update procedures. some technological learning barriers for programs at potawatomi.org/cares. HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 5 Tribes watch as Oklahoma moves toward managed care for Medicaid In June 2020, Oklahoma voters narrowly Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, supported expanding the state’s Medicaid Osage Nation and Creek Nation. program outlined in the 2010 Affordable While health outcomes for Native Care Act. The vote passed with 50.5 Americans generally lag behind those percent in favor, enshrining the program’s of other groups, there were economic funding in the state constitution. factors driving the support as well. This means the state legislature must fund the program’s 10 percent cost A 2019 study by the Self-Governance share while the federal government Communication & Education Tribal pays for the remaining 90 percent. Consortium indicated that the presence of tribes can offset a significant cost to Until 2020, the state was one of 14 the state under the expanded Medicaid nationwide that had not expanded program. Under the ACA, Indian Health Medicaid for those qualified by ACA Service-eligible individuals can receive standards. Oklahoma has the second health care coverage paid for by Medicaid highest rate of uninsured adults in the funds. According to the U.S. Census country, though that may change as the Tribes play a unique role in Oklahoma health care and its Medicaid program.. Bureau, an estimated 34,474 uninsured program’s eligibility expands by the 2021 IHS-eligible patients in Oklahoma deadline. Before the COVID-19 public “While some claim risk-based MCOs comes with the state’s tribal population. also meet Medicaid eligibility based on health and ensuing job loss crises hit, have certain flexibility and accountability Based on a Congressional mandate, household income. If the state expanded the state estimated 200,000 would be advantages, they are primarily used American Indians and Alaskan Natives Medicaid, the average annual per capita eligible under the new Medicaid program. as cost containment measures,” wrote are not mandated into MCOs. Tribes spent on them individually would Oklahomans who file taxes as individuals OKPI’s Steve Lewis. “Oklahoma used this have requested OHCA allow this be $7,255, which totals about $250 making less than $17,000 a year or a managed care model in the 1990s, and it population to “opt in” to the MCO million. The nearly 34,500 IHS-eligible family of three making less than $29,000 did not work out then. The MCOs could rather than be automatically enrolled. Oklahomans would not count toward are now eligible. Medicaid expansion may not make a profit at the rate they were Tribes in states with MCOs have the state’s funding of Medicaid support. also provide the opportunity to access able to negotiate with the state, so they left encountered difficulties receiving timely expanded services not currently available. the state. There was quite a bit of turmoil Medicaid payments for service or received Like other tribal health care providers, for in the system, and OHCA went back to outright denials on Tribal referrals. Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Medicaid State leaders have worked diligently in the the fee-for-service model it now uses.” expansion could be highly beneficial. weeks after the June 2020 vote to come Stepping in to help sort out some of these There is often a misconception that up with the state government’s 10 percent Currently the OHCA oversees its issues is State Senator Greg McCortney an enrolled tribal member visiting cost match. Earlier in the year, the gover- management and maintains a good (R-Ada/Wanette). The former Ada mayor a Tribal health clinic is the same as nor directed the Oklahoma Health Care working relationship with tribal health has been a leading voice at the statehouse health insurance. That is not the case. Authority to submit state plan amend- care entities who serve tens of thousands to address the Medicaid issue. Senator For those members without private ments to move forward with Medicaid ex- of Oklahomans each year. As Oklahoma McCortney, a citizen of the Choctaw insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, the pansion on July 1, 2020. However, in the tribes well know, a positive relationship Nation, requested an interim study for Nation pays for the costs of medical weeks before implementation, he canceled with a state entity that understands and the fall of 2020 to examine tribal health care. That means less money in other the expansion plans. Prior to the vote on respects the nuances of Indian Country and Medicaid managed care in the Senate areas of need, whether for expanded June 18, at the direction of the state’s exec- results in a better partner. In recent Health and Human Services Committee. health care facilities, services or staffing. utive branch, the OHCA issued a request decades, the growth in tribal health care for proposals from managed care organiza- services have filled in the health care Tribal support for Medicaid Uninsured AI/AN patients who may now tions to run the state’s Medicaid program. gaps of rural Oklahoma, where hospitals qualify under the expanded Medicaid and clinics have closed with increasing Numerous Oklahoma tribal governments guidelines will continue to receive the According to the Oklahoma Policy In- regularity. Concerns lie that an out-of- endorsed the ‘yes’ vote for the 2020 same amount of care, and the federal stitute, MCOs offer a streamlined and state company with little experience state question that pushed for Medicaid government will follow federal law affordable way to manage health care pro- working with tribal health care providers expansion. In addition to Citizen and numerous treaty obligations to grams, but they are not always fool proof. may not understand the complexity that Potawatomi Nation, they included the pay the remainder of the cost. Language update

By Justin Neely, Director of the something animate: “I talk to him. He Independent CPN Department of Language reads to me. They pick up tobacco.” You (singular) You All Certain items in nature, some foods and Gwabem – You see me Gwabmem – You all see me The language department has been spiritual items are considered animate. working with other Potawatomi Gwabma – You see him/her Gwabmawa – You all see him/her language departments across the U.S. There are also independent, conjunct, Gwabmimen – You see us (you) Gwabmimwen – You all see us (you) imperative and prohibitive modes. on Potawatomi grammar. I think Gwabmak – You see them Gwabmawak – You all see them some of the things we have been dealing with would be of interest Independent is usually used with basic He/She They to members throughout the U.S. statements or “yes/no” questions. The Nwabmek – He/she sees me Nwabmegok – They see me conjunct is used for more complicated The class is being taught by Citizen who, what, when, where-type questions. Gwabmek – He/she sees you Gwabmegok – They see you Potawatomi tribal member and linguist When there are multiple verbs in a Wabman – He/she sees him/her/them Wabmawan – They see him/her/them sentence, often the second and following Lindsay Marean. Igwien (heartfelt thanks) Nwabmegnan – He/she sees us-u Nwabmegnanek – They see us (you) to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Language verbs will be in the conjunct. Though Department for hosting this class. as this class showed, a speaker can Gwabmegnan – He/she sees us all Gwabmegnanek – They see us all use the different forms to shift focus Gwabmegwa – He/she sees you all Gwabmegwak – They see you all There are four main types of on what is going on and can break verbs in Potawatomi: what might seem like definite rules. I/me Gwabmen – I see you Gwabmenem – I see you all VAI or class 2, VII verbs or class 1, VTI We have spent a considerable amount Nwabma – I see him Nwabmak – I see them verbs or class 3, and VTA verbs or class 4. of time looking at VTA or transitive VAI verbs are usually just statement verbs animate verbs. This is when a person We, but not you We all that don’t affect other people: “I sit, I acts on another person or animate Nwabmamen – We/you see him/her/them Gwabmamen – We see him/her/them read, I eat.” VII verbs are often adjectives item. Certain objects in nature, in English: “It’s big. They are big.” VII certain foods and spiritual items are We but not you has a little variation between northern and southern Potawatomi verbs also talk about weather: “It’s cold,” considered animate. One thing that Northern or “It’s hot.” VTI verbs are verbs where I have found useful when studying Gwabmego – We/you see you Gwabmegom – We/you see you all a person interacts with an item: “I see these verbs is to group them in the it. They pick them up.” VTA verbs are following manner. When you group Southern verbs where two animate actors act upon them, it is easier to see the similarities. Kwabmenmen – We/you see you Kwabmenmen – We/you see you

Get the Hownikan via email! If you would like your newspaper via email, please send your name and address to [email protected] and let us know. 6 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN Students and parents alike enjoy virtual STEM and Healthy Eats camps The coronavirus pandemic forced STEM fields but also got them thinking departments across the Citizen on how to prepare for college and careers Potawatomi Nation to employ ingenuity in those particular fields or any (fields) to continue meeting their missions. As in- that might interest them,” Tesia said. person summer programs were canceled, several CPN departments, including Highlighting the opportunities within Workforce Development & Social Services CPN and other tribes was also important, and the Department of Education, and internal experts introduced the youth partnered with Oklahoma State University to the vast career options across Indian and employees across CPN to develop two Country. Freeman studies water quality virtual camps held July 20 through July 25. on CPN land for the Tribe’s department of environmental health. With a Master’s During the week, students attended in Environmental Science, she taught virtual Healthy Eats and STEM camps. the students about entomology and easy Participants joined mid-morning ways to research the world around them. Zoom cooking classes organized by CPN Dietitian Maggi Gilbert and “They got a collection kit with a net, Workforce Development & Social magnifying class and a little box,” Freeman Services, and school-age children across said. “That’s what really got me into it. CPN’s service area had an opportunity CPN Workforce Development & Social Services Youth Counselor Kym Coe and CPN Depart- You catch something, and it doesn’t look to learn from science, technology, ment of Education Internship and Project Coordinator Channing Seikel organize supplies. like a lot. Then you have a whole box full engineering and math professionals. of insect, and it’s like, ‘Wow, I did that?’” Staff took the time to think and nutritious but also fun for kids, then I “It is so rewarding to provide information about every aspect of the camps just kind of pieced that together,” she said. In her youth, she often attended a that I have — resources that I have – to when purchasing materials. variety of camps during the summer. these Native youth,” said Dr. Kent While she missed the in-person As a CPN tribal member, she is Smith, VSTEM presenter, professor “Some of the activities encouraged the interaction, Gilbert appreciated that thankful for her part in providing at Oklahoma State University College kids to go outside, so we included her sessions brought families together participants similar experiences. of Osteopathic Medicine and associate bug spray and sunscreen,” said CPN for an educational, fun activity. dean of the Office of American Indian Workforce Development & Social Services “Considering the Seven Generations, I in Medicine and Science. “If a handful Assistant Director Margaret Zientek. “My favorite part was honestly the think having advocacy from us important,” of them grab it and do something cooking and exercising,” said Robert Freeman said. “I would hope that with it, then I have succeeded.” Many families told organizers Collins II, CPN member and participant. even if I can just get one kid interested they did not expect the amount His father joined along, and although and they end up working for the Organizing of supplies they received. they do not normally prepare meals (Department of Environmental Quality) or (Environmental Protection Agency), Every summer, Workforce Development together, they enjoyed the experience. “The kids’ faces and the parents’ faces — giving that perspective, that’s important.” & Social Services awards stipends there were definitely some tears,” said VSTEM for youth clients to attend summer Kym Coe, CPN Workforce Development At the end of each day, participants camps. However, due to the pandemic, & Social Services youth counselor. In the afternoons, instructors led submitted feedback on the camps CPN staff began discussing virtual Zoom lessons on a variety of subjects. and variety of subjects covered. options in early June. Around the Healthy Eats Programming included exercise same time, Dr. Kent Smith from OSU instruction from FireLake Wellness One student said, “My biggest takeaway reached out to the CPN Department Every morning, participants and their Center trainers; OSU Associate Professor today was learning how to properly guardians joined Tribal dietitian Maggi of Education Director Tesia Zientek Jennifer Volberding, Ph.D. discussed identify and preserve bugs. Before Gilbert via Zoom as she taught recipes and about a potential partnership. athletic training and health-related career today, I did not know how to preserve discussed healthy eating. Throughout the opportunities; CPN Environmental bugs correctly. I really enjoyed learning camp, they prepared egg breakfast cups, “Each of our departments typically offers Specialist Lexi Freeman talked about more in depth about entomology. My turkey rollups, chicken kabobs, Mexican summer programs for youth, but with the importance of a balanced ecology great-grandfather was an entomologist. I pizza and peanut butter energy bites. COVID-19, we have had to be adaptable and basic entomology; and Dr. Smith think that it is an interesting field, and I and innovative,” Tesia said. “This presented on Indigenous health as cannot wait to get out and identify and seemed like a wonderful solution, and it “I was shocked at the number,” Gilbert well as archaeology and fossils. study some of the bugs in my area.” bloomed into something beyond what said. “I couldn’t believe there were that many people on the Zoom meetings.” Dr. Smith had originally explained when “We certainly had to be creative on how Although this was the Nation’s first we brought on other STEM experts.” Staff tried to make every part of the to get students involved in a virtual time experimenting with virtual youth format,” Tesia said. “The STEM kits programming, the week was successful The week focused on developing experience educational for the more helped tremendously with this.” for students and presenters alike. important life skills like healthy eating than 40 participants, even down to how to buy groceries for the week’s lessons. and exercise as well as introduced Staff included supplies for each class “This is absolutely something we will participants to STEM careers in “We had planned to bring them and to go to encourage contribution. The consider as the pandemic continues,” Tesia a fun, engaging way. Removing shopping with them, but what we ended interactive presentations lasted an hour said. “It may also be something we look barriers to partaking in both camps up having them do is they had to log on and a half, then CPN Department at to expand some of our programming was important to organizers. to firelakefoods.com. They had to literally of Education staff spent the last 30 beyond the immediate area so that non- A few days before, students received go through the shopping experience minutes each day discussing career and local CPN students can participate.” supply boxes with all the items necessary and put the ingredients they needed higher-educational opportunities. into the shopping cart,” Margaret said. To learn more about the camps to participate, including exercise “We intended that the VSTEM camp and access the Zoom presentations, equipment, an indoor grill, science- Since becoming a dietitian, Gilbert has not only exposed students to different visit cpn.news/vcamp. program supplies, a first aid kit and more. noticed how prevalent convenience, fast foods are in American diets, and she tailored her sessions to help students make better decisions post-camp. “My hope is that they would speak up and say, ‘We’re missing a vegetable,’ or ‘Hey mom, could we maybe try this? I had it at this camp, and it was really good.’ So, just opening their eyes to new things,” she said. “And I also feel there’s a lot of value in teaching that it doesn’t have to always be fruit, vegetable, whole grain. We can incorporate some fun foods too and that it’s not strict rules for healthy eating.” To encourage attendees to continue exploring healthy eating after the week ended, Gilbert created a cookbook that included easy to prepare dishes. CPN member Blaine Zientek collects “I took some time to research different insects for a VSTEM presentation. recipes that I thought would be healthy CPN staff organize grocery supplies for Healthy Eats camp. HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 7 Tribe’s agricultural endeavors provide sound economic investment

Taking care of the land and providing prides herself on using her skills to for the people are core Potawatomi serve fellow Citizen Potawatomi. traditions. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Department of Real Estate “I always like to see the bigger picture. Services oversees the Nation’s agricultural I always like to keep the bigger goal investments, which uphold these in mind. It’s not just my department principals. As DRES Agriculture Programs — it’s my Tribe,” Kitchen said. Manager, CPN member Tonya Kitchen Baling in business directs the Nation’s efforts to recover the land for generations to come while One of the endeavors under Kitchen’s diversifying CPN’s economic portfolio. umbrella includes approximately 2,000 acres of hay operations. CPN contracts “An investment in agriculture, in my some of the land dedicated to growing opinion, is an investment in the future alfalfa and Bermuda hay, with the in any way that you see it,” Kitchen said. remainder cultivated and harvested in- Leadership house. CPN also partners with local producers by share-cropping land for row Growing up, her family owned a cow- crops like corn, wheat and soybeans. calf operation, and the agriculture industry has interested her since “We contract part of it out to reduce childhood. Kitchen graduated with overhead — reduce costs,” she said. “We Hay is the main agricultural production on approximately 2,000 acres of CPN land. an agricultural education degree from still touch base on every piece of property Oklahoma State University and taught that we have, whether it’s contracted However, the process of putting land opportunities to provide economic for several years before taking a job out or not. We just don’t perform all into trust often takes many years. benefits while restoring original the duties there on those properties.” reservation land. By making investments managing a daycare. However, her CPN has full authority on its trust love for the industry remained. After a in agriculture, the Nation is working According to Kitchen, the Nation’s property; local, county and state toward long-term sustainability leasing specialist opportunity opened success in this labor-intensive industry is governments have no jurisdiction and food security, she added. at the Nation, Kitchen applied. due to CPN’s hardworking employees. on trust land. While the lengthy process commences, CPN’s realty “Agriculture is always going to be “The position had quite a bit of “They are so self-motivated,” she said. team takes a proactive approach to there. The need to feed America is agricultural need because of the farming “They know the vision that I have, and finding ways of generating revenue. always going to be there. … I can’t put and grazing leases, and I have oil and they share that same vision. They help into words the passion I feel for this gas background as well. There was me every day to get it done, and I “We’ve taken over so many properties that because it’s a step in the direction of a need for that as well,” she said. could not ask for better employees.” were just in terrible, terrible shape, and sovereignty for the Tribe,” Kitchen said. we’ve turned them around. We’re making Approximately two years later, CPN Sovereignty money off of them. We’re adding to the Learn more about the Nation’s promoted her as the agriculture economic viability of the Tribe, all while agricultural endeavors and the programs manager. Her main duties Buying back Potawatomi land improving ground quality,” Kitchen said. Department of Real Estate include overseeing the Nation’s hay in Oklahoma is one of the realty Services at cpn.news/dres. and sharecrop operations as well as department’s main focuses, which Due to Kitchen’s extensive background, general land management. Kitchen houses the Nation’s agriculture programs. CPN recently began exploring more Aerial survey creates topographical map of Welch allotment

On a warm July morning, a team from them we’d pay them premium; Pollard & Whited Surveying Inc., Citizen but if they didn’t want to sell it, Potawatomi Nation Department of Realty that was alright,” Meloy said. staff and a helicopter pilot descended on the 320-acre Joseph Welch allotment to As the Nation works to purchase create a detailed, topographical analysis back Tribal land, research and of the land from above using Light data play a crucial role. Detection and Ranging technology. “When you survey a piece of land out “Over time, there have been a number here, it’s kind of sitting out in space. of development proposals come in on And then you survey another piece, and this site, and recently, we had another it’s sitting over here in space floating. proposal,” Citizen Potawatomi Nation But eventually, when you buy all the Director of Real Estate Services Charles land in between, all of the surveys Meloy explained. However, moving have to match and fit together,” Meloy forward with any of the proposals required said, which is why he ensures precision additional research on the Welch property. from his team and contractors. Collecting survey data helps the Nation Throughout the last two decades, make decisions about the land’s makeup CPN has purchased approximately and future use. CPN has and continues 3,000 acres of Tribal land. To move to conduct feasibility studies to ensure property into trust, accurate data is Pete Franklin from Pollard & Whited Surveying Inc. watches from the the development benefits the Tribe and key, and Pollard & Whited Surveying ground during a CPN land allotment survey near Wanette, Oklahoma. its members. However, understanding Inc.’s diligence helps the Nation Along with the GPS-equipped machines from Pollard & Whited Surveying Inc. the property’s physical characteristics is meet all the requirements needed. vital to economic development efforts. located on the allotment, the information based in Norman. Brad requested the Hownikan not reference his last name. The survey gathered from above created a 3D The allotment model of the Welch allotment’s terrain. On smaller acreages, the Nation A few days prior to the survey, Pollard Although there are other methods of uses other survey methods that are The land surveyed included 320 acres & Whited Surveying Inc. placed targets land surveying, using LIDAR technology south of Highway 39 near Wanette, more economical, but for a property to help guide the operation. To create is more accurate than collecting data Oklahoma, that was allotted to Welch the size of the Welch allotment, a topographical map, data collectors on foot, especially in wooded areas. family members in the late 1800s. The Meloy said the LIDAR technology located on the ground and the helicopter property passed down from generation “We’ve been able to do it by met the Nation’s needs best. had to synchronize. Once connected, to generation, resulting in numerous photogrammetry. The problem with Findings from the survey will help undivided owners. CPN worked with the helicopter began running east that is it couldn’t get through the CPN make decisions surrounding individuals to purchase their portion, of- to west across the property, just like canopy. The advantage of LIDAR the allotment’s use. Look for fering above market value, and the Nation a lawn mower, sending billions of over other systems, whether it’s on updates on the Welch allotment now owns most of the original allotment. near-infrared laser beams down to the the ground or photogrammetry, is it ground as it moved. The beams then actually goes through the canopy, so and Tribal economic development “We didn’t put pressure on anybody. reflected back to the helicopter where that’s a major aspect of why we’re opportunities in future Hownikans. If they wanted to sell it, we told computers collected the information. using the LIDAR here,” said Brad 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN CPN member records spiritual awakening in new book Vieux family descendant Randy Kritkausky hopes his book encourages He often composed approximately three Kritkausky’s mother told him about readers to strengthen their perceptions to six pages in an evening. During a re- his Potawatomi ancestry as a young and accept a new worldview. cent Hownikan interview, he described it child; however, he developed a deep as “effortless.” Kritkausky also utilized his connection to it, primarily through A new beginning skills as an academic and delved into his nature, in his late 60s. Throughout subject, including significant historical re- In 1989, Kritkausky and his wife founded the last four years, Kritkausky wrote search. He talked to many elders and other ECOLOGIA, an international nonprofit Without Reservation: Awakening to Native Native Americans, often from different American Spirituality and the Ways of designed to bring local and national voices tribes, about their experiences with what our Ancestors. It chronicles his journey together to create ecological plans with he calls “inexplicable natural phenome- as he changed his way of thinking. positive results for the earth. He spent his non.” Kritkausky found many of them ex- career as a scholar and nonprofit director perienced similar interactions with nature. “Enriched is a word that doesn’t writing in a dry and scientific manner. even begin to cover the magnitude “I constantly encounter people, other off- of the shift,” Kritkausky said. “I feel I live in two worlds; I’m a rational reservation Native Americans, who literally skeptic, scientifically-trained, Western break down in tears and say, ‘I just keep He and his wife moved deep into historian, and at the same time, I’m a having these experiences, and there’s no the woods of Vermont 20 years Native American. And I can do both one to talk to.’ And very often, they aren’t ago, living amongst owls, deer at the same time,” Kritkausky said. even registered because their families and beautiful trees. After what he Tribal member Randy Kritkausky’s new book He spent much of his life as an agnostic. tells the story of his connection with Native hid their Native American identity. So, calls his “awakening,” Kritkausky American spirituality. (Photo provided) they can’t even prove they’re Native developed a deeper appreciation for In 2017, Kritkausky’s mother walked American. … They feel stranded,” he said. Mother Earth while questioning if on after a stroke. Before her end of looked at the realm of nature as something technology creates a roadblock. life, he began sensing something about that can be studied, objectified and Kritkausky feels his ancestors helped her final journey in visitations from measure and quantified and manipulated.” him pen Without Reservation, and he “So much of modern life is mediated by animals on his property, and he felt hopes to help others explore this realm of technology,” he said. “The classic (image) her presence while working in his Kritkausky now relies on Native American existence for themselves after reading it. is people on a tour in the forest, and garden in the months afterward. spirituality much more in his everyday life they’re looking at the forest through and wishes he had developed it earlier. “I want to educate people to embrace their cameras, and rarely looking at “I began to wonder, ‘Where is this coming nature, not as objects, not as things to the forest with their eyes and rarely from?’ The obvious answer was it must “I can’t go out in the garden and touch be studied and manipulated, but to be listening and smelling and feeling.” be something from my family’s past. And a plant or pick a vegetable from our respected as living kin,” he said. “And when I began to explore in that direction, huge vegetable garden we have this year I think that’s the only way all of us … that’s when people around me began to without being thankful and expressing are going to save the planet is to look confirm that what I was experiencing was gratitude to Mother Earth,” he said. “It at Mother Earth literally as our mother not delusions, hallucinations, dreams in would have made life so, so much richer.” and feel compelled to protect her.” the middle of the night. It was actually a very common experience for Native Writing process Those types of connections helped American people,” Kritkausky said. Kritkausky publish the book as well. He wrote late at night, diving into During berry harvesting season, he visits He calls it “her last gift” to their family his thoughts when inspiration a neighbor’s farm who works for Inner that led him to accept a spirituality he struck. Kritkausky started the book Traditions. The publishing company initially resisted. In his book, Kritkausky almost as a journal, but early on, it focuses on spirituality, holistic health and discusses the need for people to overcome developed into something more. more, and now represents Kritkausky. skepticism of spiritual connections with the earth and ancestors and to “I would awaken in the middle of the Without Reservation: Awakening to Native release themselves from the notion that night, almost always at the same time, 2 American Spirituality and the Ways of scientific and mathematical explanations o’clock in the morning — usually when our Ancestors is available Sept. 1, 2020, developed by humans hold more value. owl (koo koo o koo) is calling. And on Amazon and Innertraditions.com at the words would just start appearing cpn.news/withoutres. A virtual author “Things are no longer things,” he said. in my brain, and it was as if I heard meeting and book discussion is scheduled “That’s quite a transformation for someone them. And then I would be afraid to on Zoom for Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 who’s worked in the field of environmental go back to sleep for fear that it would a.m. CST. Email randykritkausky@ science and policymaking around the be like not hitting the save button on hushmail.com or visit randykritkausky. globe for 30 years. Because I’ve always your computer,” Kritkausky said. com for more information. HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 9 Tribal member studies CPN fish populations

The hot Pottawatomie County help differentiate the fish and keep summer does not hold 17-year-old accurate records for years to come. Tribal member Beau Favre back from enjoying the outdoors. Throughout Given his findings so far, the lack of the long school break, he wanted to predator species concerns him the most. find a way to serve the Nation while “You used to see a lot of bass kind of doing something he loves: fishing. patrolling the beaches and the shore, but However, fishing at Tribal ponds lately I just haven’t seen any or even seen requires approval. Favre approached any activity from them,” Favre said. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Additionally, he and his dad Chris Vice-Chairman Linda Capps for Favre are currently developing permission and presented his plans an online database to store all to document the species, size and of the information obtained. weight of everything caught before releasing them back into the water. “You could search the carp by its ID tag, and it would give you the “Beau is the most pleasant, polite size it was the last time you caught young man that you will ever meet,” it and the sizes before on previous Ms. Capps said. Knowing how catches, and that’s to see how fast beneficial his research could be, she they’re growing overtime,” he said. put Favre in contact with several Tribal departments, and he began Applying ethical tags to the fish caught at FireLake Lake As a junior at Tecumseh High School, his project late June into early July. assists with long-term research efforts. Favre has to balance developing the website along with school, sports and “Mostly I just want to help the Tribe in area, and it just reduces the overall “All fishing at Tribal ponds is cane poles other commitments. Although he any way that I can, even if that means growth and gunk,” Favre said. only,” he explained. “These carp can does not have an expected date for the monitoring the health of species,” he said. produce up to 80 pounds of force, database’s completion, he hopes to He uses a cane fishing pole with 60 lb. and putting all of that onto one solid complete it within the next few years. The project monofilament line and dried meat as bait. pole — it gets a bit hectic at times.” In the meantime, he takes advantage of The geothermal pond west of the “We hold the jerky near the surface,” Favre enjoys the thrill of hooking one, the chance to enjoy outdoor activities FireLake Ball Fields heats and cools Favre said. “It’s kind of in their feeding and he has found many different species with fellow Tribal members and family Tribal enterprises. A balanced ecology area because if you had jerky on the that call the geothermal pond home. is important to running efficiently, and bottom, they probably wouldn’t see it while also helping the Nation conduct Favre’s research provides key insight. because they are all hanging around “I’ve seen big 2-pound bluegill, which is important ecological research. on the surface and feeding there.” really rare. On the carp, the biggest I’ve CPN reminds Tribal members and the “The carp are one of the main reasons seen so far was a 5-footer, and it looks public that fishing CPN ponds and why the pond is easier to clean for Cane poles are longer than traditional like it was about 45 pounds,” he said. the cleaning crew as they’re doing ones, and instead of using a rod and reel, waterways requires prior approval maintenance on the fountains because they typically feature a line that is approx- After Favre makes a catch, he from Tribal administration. Call they eat the algae that grows in the imately the same length as the pole itself. measures, weighs and tags them to 405-275-3121 for more information.

First Nation Bank & Trust Company supports local development

By Amanda Estala and and Colton McMahan are partnering Ashley Klewicki, FNB to create a place for families to live marketing department the way life was always meant to be: together. Just imagine sidewalk cafes, First National Bank & Trust Company a delicatessan or even a meat market. takes pride in serving our community This growth will provide a sense of and prioritizes being a good neighbor. community within a community. Jim Kirby, senior vice president and This development will have 89 units lending officer at FNB, has worked ranging from 1,600 square feet to with our community to provide 2,000 square feet with affordability, financing for many new projects in convenience and comfort all in one. Shawnee, including some unique and exciting housing developments. Cardinal Point will feature two commercial buildings at its Grove Properties is constructing a entrance, mirroring the main premier housing addition for seniors, and street-style storefronts with possibly it is one of two new expansions coming apartments above. The idea is to to Shawnee. The Grove on Union will have the community out, meeting, boast design styles and accomodations communicating and gathering again. similar to those offered at The Grove Moore. Located north of MacArthur on These new developments show promise Union, the gated senior community will Staff at First Nation Bank & Trust Company help businesses flourish. for the future of Shawnee and our local have up to 175 units available for adults economy. Many local businesses will age 55 and over. Some amenities include this exceptional addition to Shawnee. encourages families to be active in have the opportunity to grow with the a clubhouse with a large meeting area, When asked why, Meek said, “There their neighborhoods as well as outdoor prospect of more people choosing to large stocked pond, theater, safe room, is nothing like this here. Shawnee is a events like kids riding their bikes, call Shawnee home. Jim Kirby and pool, workout area and much more. growing community, and we want some- scavenger hunts and block parties. FNB are proud to be a part of this Grove Villas will be a desirable and safe thing to keep our seniors in our town.” growth, putting community first and place to live, with local walking trails, Rick Landes from Land Home Specialties driving Shawnee forward. First National parks and tennis courts literally steps Just around the corner from The Grove said, “We have the vision to get people Bank & Trust Co. is looking forward away. These energy efficient, single-floor on Union, construction is beginning on out of their backyards and back into the to calling these new homeowners units’ construction prioritizes comfort the second newest housing development front yard. We want our community ‘’neighbors” and providing outstanding and safety. Who wouldn’t want to live called Cardinal Point. The neighborhood to get to know their neighbors again. mortgage services. We know you have down a quiet street with great neighbors? brings the 1940s neighborhood style Neighbors helping neighbors.” a choice; thank you for choosing us. to present-day with Craftsman-style Developers Tony Meek and Gary Barnett houses, narrow streets and sidewalks Local business and construction owners have put a lot of thought in to bringing through the whole addition. The design Rick Landes, Bryan Little, Josh Little

Get the Hownikan via email! If you would like your newspaper via email, please send your name and address to [email protected] and let us know. 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN Teaching forgiveness in the Middle East Tribal member Monaco Herrick completed high school in 2015, unsure of her passions or what she wanted to study. As a devout Christian, she decided to fill her life with mission work and attended Kingdom Discipleship Training School in Northern Ireland. Herrick’s journey led her across Europe and the Middle East, where she met and helped people with differing viewpoints and made lifelong friends. “Anyone can do this. Anyone can love people. Genuinely, genuinely. It just took me stepping out and being willing to learn something and to help someone while I’m learning something instead of just making it about me or just about them. When we’re in our in-betweens still figuring some stuff out, that doesn’t make us disqualified from helping someone,” Herrick said. After working as a missionary in Lebanon, Herrick now knows her future lies in facilitative mediation, helping two conflicting groups learn to communicate Monaco Herrick (fourth from the left) fills her early 20s traveling the globe as part of a and come to mutual understanding. ministry team after attending Discipleship Training School. (Photo provided) Around the world she came back to the U.S. with the One of her favorite lessons helped time student. She also helped others intention to return to Lebanon later. students view forgiving others as a attending the program raise funds Herrick lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands However, the coronavirus brought strength as opposed to a weakness. to cover their meals and essentials, before traveling to Northern Ireland international travel to a halt. Protests whether that meant helping them sell for three months at DTS. During continue today, with many calling for “Watching kids as young as 5 years old all art or travel with them for safety. her time there, the area still felt the the resignation of Lebanese government the way up to the high schoolers that we effects of three decades of hostility officials after a massive ammonium taught be able to look at people and say, “There were other kids in my school who surrounding Ireland’s political future, nitrate explosion in Beirut on Aug. 4. ‘Actually, I don’t need to push you back.’ stepped into it knowing they didn’t have often referred to as “The Troubles.” The ‘Actually, you’re worth loving even if you everything they needed, and on the discipleship curriculum brought people These circumstances cut Herrick’s time hurt me.’ Or, ‘You’re my friend, and I weekends, they didn’t get to hang out together for simple things, such as a in Lebanon short, offering her no closure need you to treat me differently,’ That and have fun,” Herrick said. “They had cup of tea or an evening of poetry. or chance to say goodbye. She now lives week is where I watch children begin to go busking in the streets with their in Pennsylvania with her husband. to break the cycles that they’ve learned instruments, or they had side jobs that “Hospitality. What a great ministry from their parents — that they’ve learned they did, or they made jewelry, and it was opportunity. That’s very different from the “Eye for an eye” from their older siblings,” Herrick said. something that they always had to do.” evangelism and other expectations that I was used to missions having,” Herrick said. The missionary school’s lessons focused Funding After receiving Tribal support and on forgiveness and reconciliation. spending time in Europe and the Middle Next, she traveled to a Lebanese Herrick enjoyed the curriculum Not yet prepared to invest in college, East, she found her path toward a future missionary school and taught youths on forgiveness in particular. she wanted to explore career options in mediation at 23 years old. Herrick of all ages, working on the concepts of after high school. However, Herrick plans to attend college in the future. forgiveness and reconciliation among “The place is beautiful, the people fan- found a way to give her time purpose the many regional groups in longtime tastic, but more than that was this way while traveling the world and filling “I am so thankful that I got the support opposition. Herrick often stayed with that they were teaching forgiveness as a her life with new experiences. that I did to go through my schooling,” locals and friends she made while living lifestyle and a way to healthily move on Herrick said. “The grant that I got in Lebanon for two and a half years from things that have hurt you or injus- “If I’m going to learn more about through CPN really made all of that and “fell in love” with the Middle East. tices that you have faced. And I needed myself, and what I like doing and what possible, and then it really prepared She also introduced those rotating into to learn more about that,” she said. I don’t like doing, I might as well be me for … missions in that I needed to the mission from other parts of the able to help others while I’m doing be okay with people helping me with world to the customs and geography. A Lebanese couple Herrick befriended that,” Herrick said. “And so missions my funding because it wasn’t a paid hung a Gandhi quote in their home felt like a very good fit, and it really position for any of that time. And if I “Honestly, my favorite part of the job that read, “An eye for an eye only ends helped my relationship with God.” hadn’t got that training, and if I hadn’t was showing people that the Middle up making the whole world blind.” The gone through all I did in Lebanon, East is beautiful, and the people there simple decoration left an impression. She chose to attend DTS in Northern I wouldn’t know my direction.” are so easy to love,” Herrick said. Ireland. Most students fundraise to pay “That feeds into why I love having people for DTS as well as groceries and other For more information on the In October 2019, massive civil protests over from other countries and … that’s bills while they attend. The program CPN Department of Education, known locally as the October Revolution why I was so drawn to hospitality and counts as 12 college credit hours, and visit cpn.news/education. began in Lebanon while Herrick worked forgiveness as a journey you go on to help the CPN Department of Education at the mission. After nearly two months, yourself and help others,” Herrick said. awarded her a scholarship as a full-

The Hownikan is published by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and is Hownikan mailed free to enrolled Tribal members. Subscriptions for nonmembers 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma are $10 a year in the United States and $12 in foreign countries. The Hownikan is a member of the Native American Journalists Association. CPN Executive Committee Reprint permission is granted with publication credit to the Hownikan. Tribal Chairman: John “Rocky” Barrett Vice-Chairman: Linda Capps Editorials/letters are subject to editing and must contain traceable address. Secretary/Treasurer: D. Wayne Trousdale All correspondence should be directed to Hownikan, Editorial staff 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 Writer/editor: Jennifer Bell Page/graphic designer: Trey DeLonais Questions: [email protected] or 800-880-9880 Writer/editor: John VanPool Graphic designer: Emily Guleserian Address changes should be sent to Tribal Rolls, Writer: Mary Belle Zook Photographer: Garett Fisbeck Writer: Paige Willett Editor: Mindee Duffell 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 11 Suicide Awareness Month By Kayla Woody, House of Step 3: GIVE reassurance Hope Prevention Specialist and information

September is a very busy month with Those who are having suicidal ideation an array of things scheduled and likely do not have much hope in their people wrapped up in the commotion current situation. Providing reassurance of it all. With one season ending and that they are not the only person another beginning, most of society feeling those emotions and those tries to act as if they have it all together thoughts of suicide are common. and don’t give the attention needed to the issues they may be dealing Step 4: ENCOURAGE with or even those closest to them. appropriate professional help We have changed our everyday lives If you are concerned that the person is drastically over the past six months in immediate danger, please call 911. due to a virus that is tearing through Even if you are afraid the person will no our country. So much of our lives that longer be your friend, please remember used to be safe have become harmful. that their life is more important. If the Places that were once a comfort are situation is not urgent, try providing a now stressful. According to the Centers safe contact for the person that is always for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 available, like the National Suicide in 4 women and 1 in 9 men live daily warning sign. However, not everyone also need to know how to assist Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK. with intimate partner violence. Life who is considering suicide will say so, those around us dealing with these Please never leave a person alone once is a constant feeling of stress, pain and not everyone who threatens suicide feelings. It is not always comfortable they have informed you that they are and suffering for those living in these will follow through with it. Every threat assisting someone who is suicidal. suicidal. Encourage that person to situations, unhindered by masks or gloves. of suicide should be taken seriously.” It may seem overwhelming, but it speak with a counselor or medical is extremely important to take all professional and even try transporting Due to the violence that victims are Some signs to look for are: suicidal thoughts seriously. There them to whomever they choose. experiencing in these relationships, suicide • Talking about wanting to are five steps to take when assisting is a common thought often seen as an die or to kill oneself someone with suicidal thoughts. Step 5: RECOMMEND self-help “escape.” The American Psychological and other support strategies Step 1: ASSESS for risk Association stated, “Survivors of intimate • Looking for a way to kill oneself of suicide or harm Try recommending local support groups, partner violence are twice as likely to • Talking about feeling hopeless community organizations or church attempt suicide multiple times, and or having no purpose The best way to determine if someone is members that are understanding of the cases of murder-suicide are most likely having thoughts of suicide is to simply person’s situation. The person has possibly to occur in the context of abuse.” • Talking about feeling trapped come out and ask them directly. Make dealt with feelings of suicide in the past. or being in unbearable pain sure to get straight to the point. Avoid September is designated as National Try asking them what was helpful then. saying things like, “Are you planning Suicide Awareness Month. The National • Talking about being a burden to others on doing something stupid?” or “Are Step 6: FOLLOW UP Alliance on Mental Illness stated, “We you going to hurt yourself?” Try to after they are safe • Visiting or calling to say goodbye use this month to reach out to those keep the question short and direct. affected by suicide, raise awareness and After your initial contact with a person • Giving away prized possessions connect individuals with suicidal ideation Step 2: LISTEN non-judgmentally experiencing suicidal thoughts, and to treatment services. It is also important • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs after you’ve connected them with to ensure that individuals, friends and Try active listening by fully concentrating the immediate support systems they families have access to the resources they • Acting anxious, agitated or reckless on what is being said and not developing need, make sure to follow up with need to discuss suicide prevention.” a response while the person is speaking. them to see how they’re doing. Let • Sleeping too little or too much Try to listen instead of giving advice. them know that you care and will be Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death Most of the time, the person who is there for them if the desire returns. in the U.S., per the CDC, and over 1.4 • Withdrawing or feeling isolated having suicidal thoughts just wants million Americans attempt each year. It someone to confide in. You may not If you or someone you know is • Showing rage or talking is important to be able to notice the signs fully understand what they’re going experiencing stalking, intimate about seeking revenge and provide help immediately because through, and that’s perfectly fine. What partner violence, and/or sexual assault everyone is affected by suicide, not just • Displaying extreme mood swings is important is that you’re accepting of and would like more information, the victim. WebMD stated, “50% to what they’re saying and acknowledging please contact the House of Hope 75% of those considering suicide will While knowing the signs and being it by genuinely trying to imagine at 405-275-3176 or visit us online at give someone, a friend or relative, a able to spot them is important, we what it might be like for them. facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope. Tribal scholarship funds research of California freshwater fish Studying freshwater fish near the Pacific He now works full time for ECORP maybe looking into more stuff like Coast of California seems somewhat Consulting, Inc., an environmental this in other states or across the U.S.” counterintuitive, but Citizen Potawatomi consulting firm that contracts with Nation member Max Murray spent his private businesses, government His thesis discussed two types of fish time in graduate school at the University departments and other organizations. Its brought together by the St. Francis of California, Los Angeles snorkeling staff complete topographical studies and Dam. Completed in 1926, it fed on his knees in the desert to find them. biological assessments of land before the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which development projects begin to reduce redirected much needed water from “A lot of the places that we were their impact and meet legal requirements. the Owens River to one of California’s snorkeling, you’re kind of just like doing most populous and highly developed pushups through a creek,” he said and Exciting parasites areas. The dam collapsed and caused laughed. “It probably looks bizarre if you major flooding in 1928, and historians are just someone walking by, just kind Growing up in Southern California, labeled it an infrastructure catastrophe. of sticking your face into what looks Murray always spent time at the beach. Murray studied how the fish and their like little puddles and looking around.” He enjoys scuba diving, swimming individual parasite systems now co- and picnics on the sand. While habitat as a result of human intervention. The DeLonais family descendant tried to at UCLA, he used that love of the fill knowledge gaps about freshwater fish outdoors to study freshwater fish “It’s always been really interesting to for his dissertation. He graduated with and the parasites that coexist with me that kind of interface between a Master of Science in biology in the fall them in an area of the country that these animals, plants, whatever it may of 2019 with help of scholarships from supports little of their habitat. be, and they’re likely to be endangered the CPN Department of Education. or threatened, and development Max Murray uses his master’s degree that kind of goes on in this region “It’s kind of grotesque, but it’s something in biology, partially funded through “It’s because of like the support that I that not a lot of people, especially in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of California,” Murray said. got from the Tribe that I never had to the United States, are really interested scholarship program, while working for take out a student loan for my entire in,” Murray said. “So it kind of has an environmental consulting firm in academic career,” Murray said. opened this open this pathway to Southern California. (Photo provided) Continued on next page 12 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN CPN’s Chief Justice gives thoughts on Native American mascots, use of race in marketing and branding Protests calling for examinations of police of movements toward social justice and Being a lawyer and CPN’s procedures and civil rights took place in racial justice. ... And I have found that Chief Justice, how does law almost every major city across the U.S. people are A. very ignorant of the history, play into this discussion? in recent months. The country has seen B. embarrassed that they know so little corporations rethink their logos and about our own history as a country with “One thing that I think is important advertising, the dismantling of statues regard to Indigenous peoples and tribal for me as a Potawatomi tribal member and monuments, and the Washington rights and C. remarkably open minded is to really think about how Native NFL team agree to replace its mascot. about learning about it. They just have governance and issues that relate to Citizen Potawatomi Nation Supreme never had anybody tell them anything. Indian-ness both converge with the anti- Court Chief Justice and Indigenous They have so little experience, so I have racism movement in the United States in rights scholar Angela Riley sat down with found that to be very heartening. general, but also depart from it. And part Hownikan to discuss these events in the of that, of course, is understanding that context of Indian Country. This interview “I really feel like the fundamental level, Native Americans experience enormous has been edited for clarity and length. education is one of the key components racial discrimination in this country, just of really moving the needle with regard like other people of color. In my own Do you think actions like removing to race relations in the U.S. Events like experience and talking to and knowing memorials for Christopher the land run and the romanticization of so many people in Indian Country, Columbus are important as the the formation of the state of Oklahoma, and let’s say particularly in places like country reexamines its history? for example, is in and of itself something border towns, the rates of incarceration CPN Supreme Court Chief of Native people are disproportionate that really needs to be taught in a much Justice Angela Riley. “I think these actions are incredibly im- more nuanced way. If students are going to those of other minorities. The rates portant. They are, by definition, symbolic to learn about the land run, they should rights as well. It was really what we saw of violence against Native women on acts because the statues and monuments also, of course, learn about the removal as a critical moment to try to draw a reservations are higher than rates of themselves are symbolic of past events and of the tribes to the Indian Territory. thread between the Black Lives Matter violence against any other women of our history. But at the same time, they’re They should learn about the subsequent movement, the efforts by those leading color in the United States. And the much more than symbolic acts because Supreme Court cases like Lone Wolf v. the anti-racism movement, and trying list goes on. The racial discrimination they represent a groundswell of changing Hitchcock, where tribes challenged the to make the American public realize component is a shared experience of opinion by Americans and not just people power of the United States government how symbols and monuments do matter people of color in the United States, and of color but of society as a whole, of really to break our treaties and to take our and how they reflect a particular vision I think it’s really important that we’re part trying to reckon with the history of the lands, and the Supreme Court upheld of the country, one that excludes at of a coalition of an anti-racist movement. United States, the process of colonization, that power. So all of those kinds of things least the equal rights of many people. the impacts of slavery and the ongoing “At the same time, there’s something should be taught as part of a really, really And we just saw it as a really powerful costs of that history to people living today. really unique about Indian-ness in critical historical moment for our state moment to draw on all of that activism I have been very heartened to see that the United States, and that’s tribal and not just one very romanticized and all of that momentum to highlight there’s been a lot of support for revisiting sovereignty — that we are members version of how Oklahoma came to be.” the ongoing problematic nature of the some of these things. There’s a wide range of Indian nations, that we operate and of the Washington team’s name. It was of activities that have taken place. Some of What compelled you to write run our own governments. We have all a convergence of events, and it seemed them have been more socially disruptive, the opinion piece published the powers inherent to our sovereignty. like the right time. I’ve done a lot of including graffiti and rioting. So there’s by The New York Times titled And so as a Justice for me and thinking research on the name of the Washington been a spectrum of events. But at the core Aunt Jemima is Gone. Can we about the role of law, I’ve really tried to team. I’ve done a lot of writing on of it is to protest around markers that finally end all racist branding? focus on what I have written about as Indian mascots in general. To me, the commemorate, if not actually celebrate, good Native governance; that the best name of the Washington team was some of the people and events of the past “It was inspired by where the country was thing we can do to protect our tribal just such a no brainer. Its roots are so that have actually caused enormous harm going in terms of protest. I’ve written sovereignty is to live our sovereignty and clearly racist. They are based in actual to people of color. I think being able to be extensively about Indian mascots and to be good governments, to be functional public documents and information critical of those and even engage in activ- names and monuments and all of those but really to just be thriving, Indigenous regarding putting bounties on the skins ism around removing those from public things in the past in my scholarly writing, nations. And so for me, that’s the place of Native people, including children, to spaces, has been a really positive event.” which is much longer and much more where I think I can make the greatest in-depth and a lot less easy to access for remove them from territories for white intervention or be the most support to What has yet to be accomplished a lot of readers. So it’s something that’s settlement. I felt very passionate about it, tribal sovereignty is to uphold the rule of in teaching Native American been on my mind for a long time. and it’s something that I wrote with that law, to engage in good governance and to history in schools specifically? passion in mind. And it has been really be part of a thriving Native Nation.” “My coauthor is an intellectual property incredible to see the swift movement “I think this is a really important facet of professor at Berkeley, and she and I have by the team in light of increasing coming to terms with our history and written in the past about Indigenous social pressure to change the name.”

Murray continued... California, and because there’s not a Murray was the only Native American “When you find something that’s totally lot of water, the things that live there in his graduate program. Murray’s new and unknown, it’s almost like Murray logged many hours in the field are kind of threatened. And a lot of professor, Donald Booth, studied Native you’re exploring the deepest part of the finding and collecting fish as well as them are endangered,” he said. American culture while completing his ocean or something,” he said. “And this many more in the lab dissecting them master’s in anthropology, and knew some is something that’s really pretty much and penning his observations. He said Considering academia about Potawatomi history and culture. right in my backyard here. It’s really the out-of-pocket costs of research kind of cool to still know that there’s a quickly multiplied. Without the Murray spent three years working “When he knew that I was getting this lot of things that are unknown that are scholarship from CPN, completing after completing his bachelor’s de- funding from the Tribe, he was like, ‘We just right outside your door, really.” his thesis would have been difficult. gree. Two professors attracted Murray need to make this really count,’” he said. to a graduate program; however, he Whether in the office, at home or in the Murray continues to work on “I couldn’t be more grateful and questioned if he saw himself as an field, “I love working with fish. I love publishing his findings. appreciative for it, honestly,” he said. academic. After much convincing working with amphibians. I think these things are really important. They don’t and support, he decided to return. He said adjusting to a full-time job, He began working for ECORP get nearly as much press, I guess, as especially in the midst of a pandemic, after completing his bachelor’s in “It really kind of like changed my whole fuzzy, other cute things,” Murray said. marine biology; after completing his has been challenging. After growing kind of my whole outlook on myself master’s, the company hired him full accustomed to working on his feet while Visit cpn.news/education for more time. Murray’s research comes in as an academic and kind of the things researching, completing office work information about scholarship handy during his day-to-day duties. that I actually really like to do and the through a computer feels lackadaisical. opportunities with the CPN questions I like to ask,” Murray said. “So, However, Murray occasionally travels Department of Education. “We’re kind of mostly focused in on yeah, it was a great opportunity. That’s for fieldwork by himself or in a small things and rivers and streams in coastal kind of how the ball got rolling.” group, which gives him the same rush. HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 13 Scholarship recipient’s heart for service

In the fall of 2019, the University “These Indigenous people already knew … The project remains in the of California San Diego School of it was good for their body and everything,” developmental stages. Medicine selected Bourassa descendant Almero said. “For me, that’s something Leonard Almero as the first recipient really cool. It’s some traditional type of His additional research and outreach of the Sycuan Medical Scholars Award. medicine that they know that works but goals are a few of the many reasons Offered by the college’s Office of maybe not necessarily know how it works.” why UCSD chose Almero for Diversity and Community Partnerships the Sycuan award and grant. His interest in cardiovascular disease as well as the Association of Native Indigenous voices in medicine American Medical Students, the and heart problems stems from committee chose Almero for his research their prevalence as leading causes He sees disparities in his own family’s experience and his fervent aspirations of death among Native Americans. experiences with health care. Almero to give back to the community. Almero hopes to study Indigenous grew up in Anaheim, California. communities exclusively in the future. While his dad provided insurance for He completed his Bachelor of Science Almero and his siblings, his mother, in biochemistry and cell biology from “It actually will, I think, in the long run have a positive impact within who is a Tribal member, struggled UCSD this summer with the help of to see doctors, often traveling out communities,” he said. “That will be the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Department of state to reach an IHS clinic. of Education scholarships. Almero goal though is to do some type of research used the funds from the Sycuan award within (the Native population); that’s why “For my mom, we had to go all the way to study for the Medical College I’ve been recently thinking about nutrition to Arizona to get certain basic health Admission Test and begin the graduate and the heart. … I think linking those two needs. That’s not right,” Almero said. school application process. He plans to things is going to be vital and important focus on cardiology or primary care. to facing the greatest health disparities.” “Why was I able to get such great access to health care, but my mom, Empowerment through research Almero presented and spoke about his Almero studies the effects of various she’s not able to get these basic compounds and nutrition on heart health work and empowering Native students services? ... I think there’s certain “I was born with a heart condition, and and function as a student at the University at the Doing Research in Indigenous of California San Diego. (Photo provided) things I can do to help alleviate that.” so I’ve always been exposed to something Communities conference at Arizona dealing with the heart. So, I guess you State University in the summer of 2018. “A lot of people say a lot of the problems He hopes to work for an Indian could say cardiology is near and dear to are having to do with funding, which Health Services branch after finishing Helping Natives achieve my heart,” Almero said and laughed. is true; there are funding issues. But medical school. He always strives for success in health care inclusion and believes the medical He completed research at UCSD labs some of the issues are amplified by certain things like a lack of Native community under represents Native as a student and as a summer intern at Almero is 28 years old, and as the first Americans in a variety of ways. the University of Utah in 2018. Almero recipient of the Sycuan Medical Scholars representation within the health care focused on antibiotic resistance and Award, he realizes the need for outreach field. … We’re trying to increase “A lot of people think, ‘Oh, are you taking nutrition as related to hearth health. to young Native students interested numbers because people like me, other a seat away from me?’ And it’s like no. He studied how various compounds in the medical field. He currently Natives who want to go back and What we’re doing is we’re not taking a and medicines effect the cardiovascular works as part of a team developing a help their communities, we’ve got seat away from you at the table; what system, including one from chocolate Native American research internship to give them a platform,” he said. we’re doing is we’re building a bigger with protective properties. Ancient program at UCSD. Almero thinks table, and we’re including more people, Almero is also developing a tutoring Mayans made a drink from the cocoa of it as a “pipeline” to guide students more voices so we can shed light on issues website for Native students at all plant for medicinal purposes. from primary school to college. coming from the communities,” Almero levels. He previously tutored kids in said, whether that includes research, mathematics and often gave them student outreach or available care. confidence in their abilities by presenting the curriculum in a different way. Now, He takes the MCAT this month he wants to provide those opportunities and hopes to have his choice of to tribal members across the country. medical schools after applying. “The way it’s taught in schools, I For opportunities with the CPN don’t think is really intuitive, so Department of Education, including I’m trying to find a way I can scholarships, advising and internships, help with that,” Almero said. visit cpn.news/education.

LLIIKKEE UUSS FaOOceNNbo ok!

www.fnbokla.bank405.275.8830 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett tending to others’ illness or sick federal government is one of Shawnee as the first certified butter, meat as a flavoring for themselves. Making sure they our highest priorities. We have Blue Zones Community in vegetables, plenty of water and have enough to get by on is our a phone bank of employees Oklahoma. The new mayor of a good night’s sleep are all good highest priority. When this thing who are ready to assist you Shawnee, Ed Bolt, and I had ideas. There are places in the is over, each of these people are in applying for this money. our pictures taken with it in world where people regularly so very valuable to us to recover Please call 833-481-0638 or front of the new headquarters live into their 90s in good our successful Tribal operations. go online to potawatomi.org. of the Avedis Foundation, health. It would be wonderful if Please advise other members of one of Shawnee’s foremost the Citizen Potawatomi Nation We are particularly concerned your family to apply and call. charitable foundations. I were one of them. I will try to about our Potawatomi children In fact, I challenge you to call like our new mayor. After so get some good recipes for you returning to school. One of to at least four of your Citizen many years of strain with the to try printed in the paper. the towns close to Shawnee Potawatomi family members government of Shawnee, he is Stroud, Oklahoma. On to inform them of the CPN is a true “breath of fresh air,” It is an honor to serve as their second day of school in CARES Program. Our job is as are the new members of your Tribal Chairman. August, a second grader tested the City Commission. “Blue to help our people. We will Migwetch Zones” is a place where the Bozho nikan positive for COVID-19, and also be praying for your health (Thank you), (Hello, my friend), the entire second grade had to and ask you to pray for others community makes a special be sent home and put under who are fighting this illness. effort to eat right and exercise John “Rocky” Barrett hope all of you are well and quarantine. I am sure the worry We should all also be praying and live the kind of life that Keweoge Ieveryone in your family about this child’s health is just for our mental health. There keeps you here on this Earth (He Leads Them Home) is taking care to avoid the overwhelming to a parent, and is too much talk of gloom and for a much longer time. Our Tribal Chairman COVID-19 pandemic. We a second worry is the financial doom. We need relief from it. grocery stores are Blue Zones have spent several days working impact on the parents of this Going to our Creator is the best certified and Vice-Chairman on the 2021 Tribal budget. It child who must now be off way. Keeping a smile on your Linda Capps has put in a lot has been a challenge. Virtually work to take care of their child face and some happy thoughts of time generating support for every activity of our Tribe is or be quarantined themselves. in your head is a good start. healthy lifestyles here at the touched by the threat of this Nation. While my waistline illness or its avoidance. Each We have a way to help you. The Last Friday, I had the does not show it, I believe that business we operate has people distribution of the COVID-19 opportunity to attend the the whole idea is worth doing who are in quarantine, home Relief Funds sent to us by the dedication of a plaque honoring full time. Olive oil instead of

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps upbeat. The idea that our is, so long as the student’s Tribal that are needed to apply. In Interruption Grant Program Tribal members and/or their number and correct address addition, the COVID-19 for CPN member-owned children and grandchildren are is provided, it is fairly easy Disability Food program just businesses that requires proof receiving some help during this to process an application. needs documentation showing of a diminishment of income time of doubt brightens my the applicant is a recipient of from March through December days. Just remember to visit The COVID-19 Student social security disability. The as a result of COVID-19. potawatomi.org/cares or call Security ($1,150) program for food programs are being utilized 833-481-0638 for assistance those attending higher education in large numbers throughout The COVID-19 Unemployment or more information. I join or vocational classes on a full- all of our CPN districts. Income Support requires the Chairman in calling on time basis is more difficult documentation of loss of income each Citizen Potawatomi to process. Our educational The COVID-19 Elder Housing or other financial loss resulting who sees this to contact four staff members are the ones Assistance Relief program from unemployment. These of your CPN relatives to working on this program. assists Tribal members age 65 two programs are ongoing for inform them of the programs They have years of expertise up. To receive this assistance, up to $5,000 for businesses meant to financially assist with providing scholarships Tribal members must document and $1,200 for individuals. to students; therefore, the a loss of income due to the Bozho you through this pandemic. It is my fervent wish that we program comes easier for COVID-19 public health (Hello), may be able to offer additional Our phone bank staff is diligent them; however, the numbers emergency, proof of a valid assistance after we meet in continuing to process the are sometimes overwhelming. lease/outstanding mortgage, efore I present this month’s with the CPN Legislature in article, I want CPN requests as they work with The student must have proof contact information for B both online and manual September. I appreciate having Legislator Mark Johnson to of hours for enrollment in landlord/lender, and for those the opportunity to work with know that many of us at the applications. It is a huge job, their college, university or seeking mortgage assistance, even though there is very little the CARES Act funding for the Nation are thinking about him vocational program. Their proof that the applicant is benefit of our Tribal members. during this time of loss of a documentation required for each tribal rolls number and current presently behind in payments. application on the COVID-19 As always, I appreciate serving firefighter pilot in his battalion. address must also be correct. The benefit per eligible Tribal you as your Vice-Chairman. We hope that the fires in Fresno Student Assistance ($300) and member household is $500 County and the surrounding COVID-19 Student Technology Probably the least difficult each month for three months. Migwetch area will miraculously diminish. ($400) programs. The tribal programs to apply for are (Thank you), rolls ID number and address for the COVID-19 Adult Food Additionally, we have This article is my perspective the recipient must be correct. Scarcity ($200 per month professional employees that Linda Capps on the CARES Act funds, Sometimes there is a dispute July-December) program and have continued to work on the Segenakwe which I often refer to as the among custodial parents, which the COVID-19 Disability Phase I programs for businesses (Black Bird Woman) COVID funds. It is the one makes the process more difficult. Food ($200 per month July- and individual assistance. These Vice-Chairman thing that has kept me positive Special attention must be given December) program. For programs are more detailed and 405-275-3121 work during this time of pandemic to adoptions, foster care, wrong these, Tribal rolls numbers require more documentation. It 405-650-1238 cell as I try to focus on staying addresses, etc. The good news and current addresses are all is especially true of the Business [email protected] HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 15 District 2 – Eva Marie Carney you identify. I will not share your in other countries. I hope that Round House, a beautifully personal information. If you this app will be made availability written novel with compelling don’t like completing surveys, across District 2 and the United characters that also teaches about you can send me an email or give States in the near future and that the injustices wrought against me a call with your thoughts. Citizen Potawatomi will sign Native people. And for those Upon request, I can send you a up for it to help the battle and of you with late elementary to copy of the survey questions by allow us to return to a degree of middle school-aged children, I email, if that would be helpful. normalcy while remaining safe. highly recommend Erdrich’s Birchbark House series. I always Great new novel about Please complete the survey had my head in a book as a child, tribal sovereignty, so or provide your feedback and I can still conjure up my much more; other great on the survey questions excitement when I was able to books by Louise Erdrich by Sept. 15. Thank you for open up that next book in a se- your time in doing so! I just finished Louise Erdrich’s ries featuring beloved characters. COVID-19- latest novel, The Night And this series also teaches adults Bozho nikanek related information Watchman. What a terrific about Indigenous ways. With so (Hello friends), My adopted home state of Vir- book! It was an Amazon Best many parents needing to keep By now, I am hopeful that our ginia is the first to roll out a Book of March 2020. Amazon children entertained and engaged New mailing address citizens are well-informed about COVID-19 exposure notification Books reviewer Erin Kodicek outside the classroom setting this CPN’s programs for distribution app to facilitate contact tracing summarizes it as follows: year, Louse Erdrich’s series should have a new mailing address of CARES Act funds. If you are in response to the coronavirus help! And the best news of all and will be grateful if you add I not, you can find all the details that causes COVID-19. As you “Louise Erdrich pays poignant is that the author has promised it to the contact information at potawatomi.org/cares. You probably know, contact tracing homage to her grandfather in more books to come in the series. you have for me. I’ve changed is a technique used by public this sweeping novel about Native my email signature block and also can call 833-481-0638, Monday through Friday, 8 health authorities to contact and American dispossession in the Goodwall app linking website so that you can find the give guidance to anyone who 1950s. Like her grandfather, our students to jobs and update there as well. The address a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. CPN has a group of dedicated personnel may have been exposed to a per- titular hero is a humble night networking opportunities is at the very end of this column. son who has tested positive for ready to take your applications, watchman, also the tribal chair- COVID-19; it will be an essen- I heard an interesting interview District 2 survey extended answer your questions and man of the Turtle Mountain tial part of transitioning back to in early August about an app through Sept. 15 work with you if you need help Band of Chippewa in North regular daily life while managing called Goodwall, a social in providing documentation. Dakota. Initially an uneventful the risk of further outbreaks. The networking site that links I’m extending the closing date for Please call for more information post, Thomas Wazhashk’s life is the District 2 survey to Sept. 15, app, COVIDWISE, is operated upended when he learns that the students to jobs and networking if you need it, and once you by the Virginia Department of opportunities all around the 2020. You can find the survey at review the program summaries U.S. government has earmarked Health. When people who have them for ‘emancipation’ (an odd world. You can hear the interview cpn.news/dist2. The information provided for each funding downloaded the app are near term, he points out, since they with Goodwall co-founder Taha you provide is for my use as stream, apply for the program each other for a period of time were not enslaved). The Night Bawa at cpn.news/goodwall, your legislator in understanding funds for which you may be determined by VDH to represent Watchman follows Thomas’s tire- and then download the app to constituent priorities. I will eligible. And please make a a risk (which is updated based on less efforts to persuade the U.S. check it out. From August to do my best to share and be point to share information the latest research), their phones government to honor treaties September 2020, Goodwall is responsive to the needs/priorities about funds availability exchange anonymous keys, and that protected what remained of running a free online program for with your family members, each saves the anonymous key of their already picked-over lands. students and young professionals particularly those who may not the other phone. Alongside the And Erdrich further expounds on that may be of interest to read the Hownikan, and those anonymous key, phones estimate the scourge of systemic racism, you or someone you know. who lack access to the internet the contact risk of an exchange sexual exploitation, and other or time to study potawatomi.org using the date, time and the unsavory sundries through the Thank you for the honor or scroll through social media duration of the contact as well stories of his extended family, of representing you. postings about the funding. In as the strength of the Bluetooth and those in their orbit. Dark addition to funds made available signal (to approximate distance). much? Yes. But The Night Watch- Eva Marie Carney via the Phase I programs, funds The extent of contact risk will man is tempered by Erdrich’s Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) are available via the Phase II determine if a user is notified of signature wit and humanity, ex- Representative, District 2 programs to eligible families a potential exposure. My family posing the light in the wounds of 5877 Washington Boulevard with children who are enrolled has signed up for COVIDWISE individuals, and a people, fight- PO Box 5591 Tribal members, eligible after concluding that no per- ing for their place in the world.” Arlington, VA 22205 members who are disabled or sonal information is shared and 866-961-6988 toll-free elderly, and eligible college after we learned that this app Another Louise Erdrich book [email protected] and vocational students. has been used with good results that is not to be missed is The evamariecarney.com District 3 – Bob Whistler roof or if a pipe breaks and history and culture. Our Tribe month, we will be holding our of District 3 Tribal members is your home has water damage. is about the fourth one asked annual legislative budget meeting very small. I would appreciate Unfortunately, water damage to make a presentation. I will for the budget that the legislative getting your email address from any flood, even if it is the be using an updated version of branch reviews and approves so that you are included and result of a hurricane, is excluded. the PowerPoint presentation for all of the departments and receive information I send You must have a separate flood originally created around 2008 enterprises that we have. That out via this means. Please insurance policy for that type of and used by Chairman Barrett. meeting will be recorded and send me an email asking to loss or damage. If you had flood If you need information about available on the Tribal website. It be added to my email address damage to your home caused attending, I suggest you call will be under the “Government” list. Please send that request to by Hurricane Hanna, and your them at 214-509-4913. tab. Click on the “Legislative” [email protected]. insurance company says you tab and then look at the area to are not covered, we may have CPN transparency the left that lists the legislative It is a honor to serve you, and meetings for the most current if you have any questions or a few dollars at CPN to handle There have been some comments meeting and then other past leg- need help with any of our this type of unfortunate event. on Facebook asking for more islative meetings in descending benefits, please contact me. It is first come, first served. If transparency on what the leg- you’re in this situation, please order for the last several years. Bozho nikanek islature does. The majority of Bama mine (Hello friends), contact me, and I will put you the legislators, Chairman and For the last several months, I (Later), in touch with the personnel Vice-Chairman write monthly Hurricane Hanna that handle these situations. hoped to host one or two district articles that are published in meetings before the year’s end. Bob Whistler n July, Hurricane Hanna Allen Texas Library the Hownikan. For anyone not With the restrictions still in Bmashi (He Soars) Ihit the U.S. coastline in the receiving the Hownikan by mail, place due to the coronavirus, no Representative, District 3 Corpus Christi, Texas, area. I On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8 it is available on our Tribal web- new date has been established. 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 received a call from a District 3 p.m., I am scheduled to make site under the “News & Events” Hopefully, we will be able to Bedford, TX 76022 CPN family living there who a presentation at the Allen link. When you first pull up the get past this and have a meeting 817-282-0868 office had flood damage caused by this Texas Library. Allen Library has website, it will direct you to the in December or January. 817-229-6271 cell storm. A standard homeowner’s asked several tribes in the last CARES funds areas for informa- 817-545-1507 home insurance policy has coverage for couple of years to come and tion on applying for those funds I have sent out a couple of [email protected] water damage caused by a leaking make presentations on their if you are eligible. Later this emails this last month. My list [email protected] 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN District 4 – Jon Boursaw The remainder of the newspaper It was necessary for the article read as follows: Indian Office in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Public “A mysterious epidemic has Health Service to provided struck Haskell Institute, the additional physicians and big Indian school here. Eighty nurses to assist in the care students were stricken on one being provided at Haskell. day, and four deaths have occurred. The outbreak began I think you will agree that even about two weeks ago and has after 102 years, the similarities spread rapidly. It closely followed between what eventually was a visit from several Indian boys called the Spanish Flu and the now in the army who visited the current COVID-19 and their school during their furloughs. impact on humanity are astound- ing. Stay safe, wear your mask “Experts of the state board of and maintain social distancing. Bozho health, the Indian service and Caleb McAfee competes at the Atchison County Fair (Hello), the federal public health service The McAfee with his 1,550-pound steer named Tubs. are at a loss as to the exact kids keep winning Pandemic strikes Haskell nature of the disease. Some of Institute 102 years ago them are of the opinion that it is A year ago, Caden McAfee was what is known as a streptococcic selected by the local CBS TV his newspaper clipping infection. Different victims station, WIBW, as the Northeast appeared on the front Kansas Male Scholar Athlete of T The Topeka Daily Capital (exhibitTopeka, K variousansas) · 3 symptoms.1 Mar 1918, Su nSome · Page 20 page of the Topeka Daily the Year. This past spring, his have symptoms likeDow septicnloaded o n Aug 17, 2020 Capital on March 31, 1918. sore throat. In others abscesses older sister, Carissa, received form in the glands. Others two awards from Emporia State develop pneumonia, while other University when she was named have still other symptoms. a Dwight and Ida Newberg Distinguished Senior for 2020, “Cultures are being taken from and she was the recipient of the throats of the students in the Outstanding Senior in the an effort to weed out possible School of Business award. Now carriers as well as those coming their two younger brothers down with the disease.” won blue and purple ribbons at the Atchison County Fair. The following are a few additional facts taken from the Caleb, Midnight Bear, received Carson McAfee prioritizes showmanship article in the Kansas Journal: Overall Reserve Grand during a livestock show in Kansas. Champion on his 1,550-pound, and won the senior showman- this article, because of the At the time of this outbreak, Crossbred Heavyweight Steer the general public was not ship competition for 14 to 18- coronavirus, there are NO plans named Tubs. This competition year olds. This is when the en- to hold district meetings, elder aware of the massive epidemic is when all the steers that won trees must do all the right things potlucks or Potawatomi Youth that had struck Ft. Riley their breeds are brought back to showcase their animal for the Programs in the near future. just a few weeks before. into the show ring to be judged judge. Showmanship is a certain for Grand Champion. The The first four deaths were stu- way to look, stand, hold your As always, it is my pleasure judge picked an overall Grand dents from Oklahoma tribes, one animal, have your animal stand to serve as your legislative Champion and a Reserve each from the Chickasaw, Sac the right way and move when representative. Grand Champion out of 12 & Fox, Wichita and Kaw tribes. the judge moves, all the while top steers, and Caleb’s won Migwetch continuing to showcase your an- Reserve Grand Champion. (Thank you), A fifth death, which occurred imal. In this category, the judge In addition, his Hereford less than a week after the article is not judging the animal; he is steer, George, was selected Jon Boursaw, appeared, was that of a young judging the contestant and how as Grand Champion. Caleb Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) Prairie Band Potawatomi female well he works the animal. Carson I came across this article and the is 17 and a senior at Jefferson Representative, District 4 student from Mayetta, Kansas. is 14 and a freshman at Jefferson Haskell epidemic 03following-31-19 information18 in the County North High School. 2007 SW Gage Blvd. County North High School. summer edition of the Kansas On April 11, it was reported Topeka, KS 66604 History, A Journal of the Cen- Younger brother, Carson, re- 785-861-7272 office Clipped By: in the Lawrence Daily Journal Caleb and Carson are the tral Plain, which is published ceived first place in his class with 785-608-1982 cell chapmancenter that 457 students out of the sons of David and Janet quarterly through a partnership his Lightweight Crossbred steer. [email protected] Wed, Apr 15, 2020 750 (61 percent) enrolled at McAfee and descendants of between the Kansas Historical He then had to compete against Office hours: Haskell had reported some the Bourassa/Ogee families. Foundation and Kansas State symptom of the “flu.” Caleb’s heavyweight steer, and 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays 3-5 p.m. Thursdays Copyright © 2020 Newspapers.com. All Rights ReservUniversityed. Department of Histo- he received the Reserve Breed Future ry. Needless to say, I found this Among the 207 cases who were Champion award while Caleb’s meetings and events Other times: please call article to be very timely, as it is “sick enough to require day and steer was selected champion so similar to what we are experi- night attention” were 16 “very crossbred. Finally, Carson com- As of the second week of encing today with COVID-19. serious lung complicated cases.” peted against 16 other entrees August when I submitted

District 5 – Gene Lambert here have been a lot of anxiety have filtered into the election, while others may The battle was always uphill in Tconversations on Facebook Citizen Potawatomi Nation. continue their leadership on terms of the vision versus the about all the difficulties a more permanent basis. support. The very foundation ongoing in the world, CPN This is our family! United of that leadership carried us and our personal lives. we stand, and divided we I believe the Citizen Potawatomi through to where we are today. fall! This is not a time to sit, Nation has succeeded with Sometimes it is a good idea to but rather the time to do. the present leadership for over I believe in the legislature and its stop, think and process before 30 years with and because development that will hold CPN We do not always agree, as you respond, particularly of the longevity it holds. in safe keeping, which has been in most families. However, when the discussions are of built by many contributing their you are still the blood of When your leadership changes such extreme nature, such as massive efforts, time and talents. that family, and you should course, you start with a politics, the pandemic and work toward its survival. different focus, beginning I believe in the legislators who racial issues. I myself have again from ground zero. responded in anger, only to It has been my experience in hold the position and know realize I did not accomplish a observing many tribes who func- I remember when there were that every single one cares what thing. (Graciously pointed out tion within District 5 that they no grocery stores, casinos, happens to the people they by one of our Tribal members.) each function very differently. hotels, ballparks, eagle serve. Each legislator is different aviary, police force, language from the other with extreme Bozho It saddens me that a few in the Some Native Nations have department, education, over variation in backgrounds. (Hello), world of concern, distrust and a new chairman after every thirty businesses, etc. Caring is not lacking, even HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 17 if they disagree simply on a vision is through varying life I believe legislators in each Washington and bleeding Migwetch different way of achieving. experiences. This doesn’t make district are available to their way into the Citizen (Thank you), anyone right or wrong, but it is talk to and ask questions Potawatomi Nation or the The differences in the legislators simply a variation regarding what when in doubt. foundation of America. Eunice Imogene Lambert helps in identifying and creating is best to serve all the people. Butterfly Woman stronger reference for individual I believe that half-truths and I believe in you and your ability Representative, District 5 Tribal member’s needs. I believe the transparency is innuendos are the devil’s to take a look for yourself to see 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 evident when meetings of the work or speaking with a what has been working for years. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 I believe when each legislator legislature are recorded, and “forked tongue.” Show me! Fact check everything, and 480-228-6569 votes, they vote with their access is made available to know your truth. Then vote in [email protected] conscience, and if it differs anyone who wants to observe Let’s not buy into conspiracy local, state, national and CPN from another, it is because their for themselves online. theories running amuck in elections. Your voice does count.

District 6 – Rande K. Payne If you are reading my column in the Hownikan that you received in the mail, your address is most likely current with Tribal Rolls. However, you may have family members that do not have current addresses on file. Please do them a favor and ask as well as encourage them to contact Tribal Rolls today if they need to update their contact information. Tribal Rolls can assist Tribal members with updating their contact information by calling 800-880-9880. Please note, Bozho nikanek your information is secure (Hello friends), and is not shared with anyone hope this month’s rendering outside of Tribal Rolls. of the District 6 column finds I If you have not researched the you well. These are certainly programs available to assist challenging times for most of CPN members to deal with the us. I am open enough to admit impact of COVID-19, both that I find it easy to start leaning in economic and health terms, toward a negative outlook as I please visit potawatomi.org/ take in all that is happening in they have been negatively our annual Heritage Festival Be on the lookout for meeting in- cares. The first notices you see the world today. While it’s not impacted by the COVID-19 gathering in Visalia this year, formation postcards coming soon. biblical, I frequently remind are about the vast programs for Public Health Emergency we will meet virtually. The myself that the old phrase “this what Tribal members are dealing to receive this assistance. focus of the meeting will be on Potawatomi Word of the Month: too shall pass” helps bring me with. For instance, as you can providing information about Bidi – Chicken (In my spare time, back to center. In my opinion, see from the ad on page 13, Qualification Requirement assistance available through I managed to build a chicken the near future may seem bleak traditional CPN scholarships CPN for members impacted coop and now have an even Citizen Potawatomi Nation at times, but the reality is that remain available despite some financially by COVID-19. dozen of the feathered friends students who are enrolled the future will be the past before colleges returning in an online- Chairman Rocky Barrett, Vice- laying eggs for our family.) full-time at any accredited you know it. So, I am trying only capacity. To supplement Chairman Linda Capps as college or vocational program Wisdom from the Word: “Now to occupy my time with the that, the Tribal legislature well as CPN CARES taskforce for the 2020 summer or fall it shall come to pass, if you things and people that bring appropriated funds for higher members Jennifer Bell and semester are eligible to apply diligently obey the voice of me joy and tune out all the education students specifically John VanPool will join us to for this program. Full-time the Lord your God, to observe noise that can be so depressing. designed to help with the provide the most accurate and carefully all His commandments transition to digital learning will be considered as 12 or up-to-date information possible. which I command you today, One of the ongoing challenges as a result of COVID-19. more credits for undergraduate Participants will also have that the Lord your God will set we have at CPN is maintaining students or nine or more for opportunity to ask questions The COVID-19 Post- you high above all nations of the current mailing addresses for graduate students; students related to CARES assistance. our members. It is easy to Secondary Student Support attending institutions that use earth.” (Deuteronomy 28: 1) forget to notify Tribal Rolls Fund will provide eligible other thresholds for full-time Please mark your calendars “Rejoice in hope, be patient when we move. If you are not Citizen Potawatomi Nation status must provide proof from for 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. in tribulation, be constant in receiving the Hownikan or tribal members with a one- their registrar. High school You will not want to miss this prayer.” (Romans 12:12) post card invitations to district time $1,150 support grant concurrent, incarcerated and information-packed meeting. events, it is most likely because that may be utilized for costs non-U.S. enrollees are not Join us at cpn.news/D67Zoom. related to housing insecurity That’s all for this month. Tribal Rolls does not have eligible for this program. In case you are not able to Bama pi (Later on). your current mailing address. and overcrowding, online fees, attend the event live, you can extra travel costs, lost wages, Because of the lingering access the recorded version by Migwetch Just how significant the professional consulting, tutoring effects of COVID-19 and going to cpn.news/cpnyoutube. (Thanks), importance of keeping your and technology expenses due to the uncertainty of being mailing address current with the COVID-19 Public Health able to safely have an in- However, you don’t have to Rande K. Payne Tribal Rolls has unfortunately Emergency. The program is person gathering, District 7 wait for the meeting to get Mnedo Gabo been revealed recently. As CPN structured to award $400 tied Representative Mark Johnson information or start the process. Representative, District 6 has tried to notify members to technology and $750 tied and I believe it would serve You can call 833-481-0638 or 31150 Road 180 of available resources to help to the remaining hardship more of our members and do go to potawatomi.org/cares Visalia, CA 93292-9585 with COVID-19 financial categories. Citizen Potawatomi so without the associated health for assistance with access to 559-999-3525 office strain, many mailers have been Nation tribal members will risks by having our gathering CARES COVID-19 Phase I and 559-999-5411 cell returned due to invalid addresses. be required to attest that virtually. Instead of having Phase II financial assistance. [email protected] 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 HOWNIKAN District 7 – Mark Johnson morning report on how many cannot afford to pay back over Three Steps to “Getting Set”: 4. Locate your pets, and of the 300+ employees that I am 60 million dollars because take them with you. responsible for have called in some bureaucrat in Washington 1. Create a wildfire action plan sick after testing positive, been decides we did something wrong. that includes evacuation Additional information can be sent home due to an exposure, planning for your home, found at readyforwildfire.org. or called in to care for a family All of District 7 is now in family and pets. District 6 Legislator Rande member sick with COVID-19. the summertime wildfire 2. Assemble an emergency Payne and I are holding a virtual In my 40 years in the fire service, season. I watch as fires burn in district meeting on Saturday, nothing, and I mean nothing, Utah, Nevada and Northern supply kit for each person Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. We will have can prepare you to deal with California. It is never too in your household. late to get ready for wildfires. guests discussing CARES Act what we are facing as a nation. 3. Complete a family Being ready for a wildfire funding and have the chance communication plan that But it does give me a unique starts with maintaining an to interact, even if it is virtually. includes important evacuation perspective and a very deep adequate defensible space and Join us at cpn.news/D67Zoom. appreciation for the job that and contact information. by hardening your home by Once again, I would like to say Chairman Barrett and Vice- using fire resistant building Give your household the best what an honor and privilege it Chairman Capps have done Bozho nikanek materials. Defensible space chance of surviving a wildfire is to serve you as your District to keep our Tribal members (Hello friends), is the buffer you create by by being ready to go and 7 representative. As always, and employees safe during this removing dead plants, grass evacuating early. Remember: give me a call, and I will be am sure that by now, you, like pandemic. I am proud that the and weeds. This buffer helps to When immediate evacuation happy to work with you on I, have become somewhat Tribe has been able to get the I keep the fire away from your is necessary, follow these any questions you may have numb to the whole COVID-19 COVID-19 CARES Act money home. It takes the combination steps as soon as possible or provide you with additional pandemic. Every morning, I flowing to members. I think of both defensible space and to get ready to GO! information you may need start my day very early, feeding we all wished that for once the hardening of your home to to access Tribal benefits that and taking care of the animals. the federal government would 1. Review your evacuation really give your house the best may be available to you. That time provides clarity to eliminate the red tape and allow chance of surviving a wildfire. plan checklist. my life, and it allows me to a more liberal disbursement of 2. Ensure your emergency Migwetch connect with my heritage, just the funds, but that is simply Before a wildfire strikes, it is supply kit is in your vehicle. (Thank you), as my grandfather and his father not the case. But just like the important that you get set. did in and around Shawnee recommendations of the day, Prepare yourself and your home 3. Cover up to protect against Mark Johnson, all those years ago. I then things change daily, and when for the possibility of having to heat and flying embers. Wear Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree) generally sit down to enjoy the they do, the legislature will act evacuate. There are three main long pants, a long-sleeved Representative, District 7 first cup of coffee when I get as we can to make the funds preparation actions that should shirt, heavy shoes/boots, a 1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202 back to the house; only these as available as possible. We be completed and familiar to cap, dry bandanna for face Clovis, CA 93611 days, there is not much joy as just need to do it the right way all members of your household cover, goggles or glasses. 100 559-351-0078 cell I open my email to read the the first time. As a Tribe, we long in advance of a wildfire. percent cotton is preferable. [email protected]

District 8 – Dave Carney first half of the year. I also have Since that time, I have been To speak to a live person, Fall: Opens July 15 both a senior and freshman hearing from many District 8 call 833-481-0638. Please and closes Sept.15 in college who will be greatly members who have received remember that Oklahoma Spring: Opens Nov. 15 impacted by COVID-19. COVID-19 assistance funds. is on central time. and closes Feb.15 One of the boys will be at the The reboot on Phase I primarily dorms at the University of addressed federal stimulus, A very good piece of news in The great news is that the Washington in Seattle and the which now will not be taken July was that the federal courts application process has other in an apartment finishing into consideration when ruled in favor of the Nation and been vastly improved, and a business degree at WSU in assessing unmet, coronavirus- all Indian Tribes that conduct students can easily manage Pullman. Both will primarily related financial hardship. gaming operations. The core the process themselves. be taking online classes. issue was that the Oklahoma It should go without saying, but governor (mostly on wishful It is my honor to serve While things have certainly I will re-state it; it is the goal of thinking) stated that the gaming as your legislator, changed and become more the Nation to get help to those compacts expired in 2020, challenging, I am encouraged Dave Carney who need it without putting despite our stance that the by the resilience of our students the Tribe in jeopardy of having Kagasghi (Raven) compacts automatically renewed Bohzo nikan and their desire to learn and to re-pay the funds to the feds. Representative, District 8 for periods of 15 years. As (Hello friend), move forward with their Anyone telling you anything 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 usual, these battles never really educational goals. It is everyone’s else is not telling the truth. Olympia, WA 98506 his time last year, I was hope that the second half of the end. The governor will likely 360-259-4027 Tbuying school supplies for year will be back to traditional To learn about the available appeal the ruling and this issue [email protected] the kids to use at high school classroom experiences. CPN CARES programs, visit will likely be revisited in 2035. or to take back to college. This potawatomi.org/cares. year, things are very up in the One July 27, the Nation rolled If you have college-aged kids air. I have a senior in high out its Phase II COVID-19 To apply for COVID-19 in your life, please be aware school who will be attending relief programs and re- assistance, visit portal. of the following deadlines classes online, at least for the booted the Phase I criteria. potawatomi.org. for Tribal scholarships: HOWNIKAN SEPTEMBER 2020 19 District 9 – Paul Wesselhöft The Indian Removal Act of became U.S. citizens, were no Concerning the 1861 treaty, it Oklahoma Land Run. The Cit- 1830 forced the 850 Mission longer citizens of the countries was unfortunate that the fed- izen Band Potawatomi reserva- Band Potawatomi to march 660 from which they came. The eral government required our tion was opened up to white set- miles to a new reservation in federal government claimed Tribe to forfeit Tribal mem- tlement, which took away 450 Kansas. The hardship along the they did not recognize us as bership. It was disheartening square miles of our reservation. way caused more than 40 mem- citizens, nor did they rec- that we could not have had an bers to die. This tragic event ognize our sovereignty. official, legally-recognized dual From my viewpoint, when I see became known historically as legal citizenship in the eyes of the word “Citizen” in Citizen the Potawatomi Trail of Death. The Prairie Band Potawatomi, Washington D.C. The federal Potawatomi Nation, I don’t who lived separately from government desired to assim- think of the historical origin In Kansas, the Mission Band us, rejected allotments ilate and absorb us into the and significance of the word. Potawatomi became farmers and U.S. citizenship. white culture through American Instead, I think of “Citizen” on allotted lands. Many Tribal as being the very focal point In Feb. 27, 1867, the Tribe citizenship and no longer con- members did not fully under- sidered us members of a tribe. of our mission and destiny, of signed another treaty, selling who we were, of who we are, of stand the legal ramifications of Dual citizenship would have to the remainder of their allot- who we are becoming to wit. deeds and tax system structured wait for another era when our to cheat them out of their land. ments in order to purchase land in Indian Territory (lat- Tribal nation would consider We are brother and sister, Tribal For example, Potawatomi land Bozho nikan er to become Oklahoma). its members as dual citizens, citizens supporting and caring owners were taxed earlier than (Hello my friend), even without the full consent for the lives, welfare and culture the government agreements ac- To the federal government at of the federal government. of our members — our citi- tually said taxation would begin. What does “Citizen” mean the time, the Mission Band zens. Today, despite the federal in the title of our Nation? It is little wonder that the result Potawatomi forfeited their Tribal The reason the federal govern- government’s position, we are, was that most of these farms membership. However, becom- ment does not recognize tribal hen our Tribe lived in the indeed, dual citizens of two ended up in the ownership of ing U.S. citizens reinforced their members as dual citizens — on nations; both of which we were WWabash River valley of In- white settlers and traders. new legal rights to allotments in par with some dual citizens diana, we were known in those born into, and both of which we and around present day Shaw- of European nations — is be- dedicate fidelity and our lives. years by various names such With the Treaty of 1861, par- nee, Oklahoma. Some wanted cause they do not view tribal as: St. Joseph Potawatomi, The tially because of their bad ex- to secure their land forever sovergnity as equal to the sov- Paul Wesselhöft Wabash Potawatomi, The Yellow periences selling their Kansas by becoming U.S. citizens. ereignty of those nations. Naganit (Leader) River Potawatomi, The Mission allotments, the Tribe seized the Representative, District 9 Indians or Christianized Indians. opportunity to protect what And that is how we attained Almost a quarter of our Tribe [email protected] they still had in the form of be- the name “citizen” in Cit- took allotments under the 1872 From 1833 onward, we became coming U.S. citizens. To Amer- izen Band Potawatomi. Act, the rest under the Dawes know as the Mission Band ican authorities, this appeared Act. The Dawes Act occurred Potawatomi. We acquired the to be a giving up of tribal citi- We voted to void the word in 1887, and the Citizen Band name “mission” due to the zenship, but most Potawatomi “Band” in 1995. Chairman Potawatomi were coerced Catholic priests that traveled did not see it that way. Barrett wrote then, the word to participate in allotments with the Tribe, ministering to “denotes a status less than that again in Indian Territory. them and establishing mis- Indians, just like German, of a full tribe. We are, of course, sions. Most Potawatomi be- Italian and Irish immigrants a federally recognized tribe with Then in Sept. 22, 1891, Indian came devoted to the church. to America who eventually no restrictions as a ‘band.’” Territory implemented another

District 11 – Lisa Kraft her,” in his August column of of dollars without further clar- • What are each of our COVID Treasury money, the Tribal newspaper as it was ification on the restrictions. federal programs doing some $62.5 million dollars, directed at me. The Tribal Chair- with the millions we before running up to the end man of the Citizen Potawatomi The Chairman has invited us have received in COVID of December and having to Nation should be above this all to get “verified and audited relief from several federal return unspent grant money. rhetoric and unite our mem- facts” of the COVID relief departments and agencies? bers, especially in these times. money at the office or from As always, I am Tribal legislators. As soon as I • How much of that thinking Potawatomi. I did vote “yes” on Phase I of the get this information myself, I assistance is reaching Lisa Kraft Department of the Treasury’s will make it available to you. local Tribal members? COVID relief money to get it CPN District Legislator 11 – Oklahoma At Large into your hands quickly. After • How many members have • How much did our programs hearing how many members had Citizen Potawatomi Nation received financial assistance? and enterprises spend Copper Bear Consulting LLC applied and been turned down, on COVID to protect, I voiced my thoughts on the re- • How much money [email protected] prevent and respond? cpnchairman.com strictions placed upon our mem- has been given to Bozho bers. Directly after this debate, I members and for what? • What are our business (Hello), voted “no” on spending Phase II. losses from COVID? I felt the legislature did not have • How many members have am responding to the Chair- enough facts and information been denied in either Phase These answers will help us Iman’s remark, “Don’t believe to wisely appropriate millions I or Phase II and why? spend the entire sum of 20 SEPTEMBER 2020 WALKING ON Hubert Lee (Hurb) Adams Hurb’s body has been taken to Brazos Minshew (Vicki), Amma J. Sheridan) of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home Sanchez (Marcelino), Vicci Cogburn and Skyler McDonnell of Florida; in Fort Scott, Kansas, and he was and Shelli Minshew-Ryczek (Mark). great-granddaughter, Molly and her interred in Fort Scott National mother, Harlie Nemechek, of Rossville; Cemetery with Elizabeth Darlene. A virtual memorial was held on Aug. 8, sister, PJ Berkey of Kansas City, Kansas; 2020, via Zoom. Genevieve requested brother-in-law, Jamie Conway (Gayle) that donations be made to the worldwide of Topeka; and nieces and nephews. Genevieve Minshew work-disaster relief of Jehovah’s Witnesses at jw.org/en/ in lieu of flowers. Zilaphine Watson George Curtis Deane Berkey

Hubert Lee (Hurb) Adams passed away April 18, 2020, at the age of 82 from COVID-19 in Detroit, Michigan. Hurb was born Dec. 19, 1937, on the Nord family farm in Bronaugh, It is with great sadness we announce Missouri, to Clarence Kermit Adams the death of our mother, Genevieve and Viola Nord Mahan Adams. He Janette Brant Minshew. was the oldest of eight children. Curtis Deane Berkey, 77, Rossville, Zilaphine Watson George, 59, passed Genevieve (Jenny) passed away on Kansas, passed away at his home, away on May 29, 2020, at the Longwood Hurb graduated from NHS in 1955 and July 20, 2020. She was 94 years old. surrounded by his family, June Nursing Facility in Booneville. She then from Missouri School of Mines “Jenny” was born in the Township of 11, 2020, following an heroic was a homemaker and enjoyed in Rolla in 1959 as a chemical engineer. Bales, Pottawatomie County, (McLoud), battle against pancreatic cancer. dancing, crocheting and spending Hurb served his country in the United Oklahoma, to Samuel J. and Ruby L. time with her family and friends. She States Army as an officer in 1961 and Brant on May 11, 1926. Her father, Curt was born Jan.13, 1943, to the was a veteran of the U.S. Army. 1962 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Samuel, was born on Oct. 14, 1896, late Don and Mary Jane Nicholson in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Berkey. A lifelong resident of Rossville, She is survived by her husband of 24 Hurb spent his entire working life in Oklahoma. Samuel’s mother, Hannah Curt graduated from Rossville High years, James George; mother, Zadie Michigan for various chemical companies. E. Cummings, born in Alma Township School in 1961 and attended Kansas Holloway; daughters, Kristanna within Wabaunsee (Day of the Dawn) State University. He was drafted Andras and Marjorie Nixon (James); Hurb married Elizabeth Darlene La County, Kansas, on Aug. 22, 1860 by the LA Dodgers farm team as stepdaughter, Amy Page (James); Mendola on June 20, 1964, in Lincoln a pitcher, but a combine accident son, Charles Nixon (Tatum); stepson, Park, Michigan. Darlene passed away ‘Jenny’ was a feisty woman with a put an end to those dreams. Andy George (Theresa); brothers, T. C. Oct. 20, 2017. From this union, Hurb spirited temper and a wicked sense Watson, Lee Watson, Emmett Watson and Darlene had a son and daughter, of humor. She was hospitable, kind On Oct. 25, 1989, Curt and JoAnne and Michael Watson; grandchildren, Mark Todd and Michelle Marie. to animals and loved her family. (Conway) McDonnell were married, Jessica, Taylor, Tyler, Nathaniel, Solona, enjoying more than 30 years together. Harmoni, Hayleigh, Rikki, Sapphire, Hurb was preceded in death by his Aug. 4, 1967, “Jenny” was baptized For the last 13 years, they were pleased parents; wife, Darlene; and two as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mark, Zadie, Andrew, Jerome, Rick, Allie, to leave Kansas winters behind for Charles, Willie and Natalie; a new great- sisters-in-law, Marge Shields Adams ordained as a minister of the good news. the warmth of Mesa, Arizona. and Donna Galbraith Adams. “Jenny” believed in Jesus’ promise that grandbaby, Kairi, expected in September; there is going to be a world without Curt was very proud of farming for and a host of other family and friends. Hurb is survived by his son, Mark war, when “the meek will inherit the almost 58 years. A lifelong educator She was preceded in death by (Kathy) Adams and his daughter, earth” (Psalm 37:11 and Matthew in the farming community, Curt Michelle (Christopher) Miclea, both her father, Bonnie Watson and 5:5). “Jenny” maintained her hope for mentored many young farmers. He a brother, Allen Watson. of Michigan; five grandchildren, Kayla, a new world of peace until her death. was old school and proud that his Christopher, Cristina, Joshua, and rows were straighter than those being Funeral services were held at Waters Brandon, all of Michigan; one great- Genevieve had her own “tribe” of 11 put in by GPS. A very honorable man, Funeral Home on June 3, 2020. grandchild; three brothers, Paul Leroy children, 20 grandchildren, many great- Curt loved his family and friends, and of Kansas City, Joe Eugene (Ardy) of grandchildren and even some great-great- his presence will be greatly missed. Tennessee and Don (Terri) of Nevada, grandchildren. “Jenny” was predeceased Missouri; four sisters, Lois Dianne (Don) by her parents, Samuel and Ruby Brant; Curt was a member of the Citizen Richardson of Missouri, Barbara Jean her children, Jan and Jay Mahana; son, Band Potawatomi Nation. (Glenn) Pierce of Arizona, Viola Mae Wesley Mahana; grandson, Kelly Mahana; (Arron) Wilson of New Mexico and granddaughter, Elijah Faith; grandson, Grateful to have shared Curt’s life Sharon Kay (Jim) Schaefer of Illinois. Jordan Ryczek; and sisters, Lavern are his wife, JoAnne; children, Keith Whiteneck, Helen Butte and Jesse Taylor. Berkey (Kim) of Rossville, Angela Hurb, being a man of faith, deeply Shriner (Kevin) of Cape Coral, believed that there was a heaven and She is survived by her sisters, Mary Alice Florida, Shannon Frodge of Mobile, lived his life accordingly. Also, Hurb Johnson and Imogene Huffman and Alabama, and Brad McDonnell of was a Potawatomi Indian proud of his her children, Margie Johnson (Kenny), Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, heritage. Hurb was a member of the Ruby Flake (Ron), Marvin Mahana Kalli Shriner (Jav Palomo) of Boca American Legion of Lamar, Missouri. (June), Cheryl Minshew-Morrison, Raton, Florida, Kohen Shriner (Lilly Submitting CPN burial assistance through Tribal Rolls obituaries The $2,000 CPN Burial Assistance Fund is automatically available to all enrolled CPN members. You may fill out

To submit an obituary, please a burial assistance fund form if you would like for us to keep it on file in case of any change in resolutions. send a word document with Please note: Once a CPN tribal member has passed, the Tribal Rolls office must be notified in order for CPN to no more than 300 words, a 300dpi photo and a contact provide burial funding. Information and instructions for the burial process will be sent to the next of kin and will phone number to be discussed then.

[email protected] For more information, please call Tribal Rolls at 405-878-5835 or email [email protected].